Diabetes and blood glucose concentration Flashcards
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where blood glucose concentration cant be controlled properly
What are the two types of diabetes?
Type 1
Type 2
What happens in Type 1 diabetes?
The immune system attacks the β cells in the Islet’s of Langerhans so they cant produce any insulin
What is hyperglycaemia?
Blood glucose levels rising and staying high
When can hyperglycaemia occur?
After eating
How is Type 1 diabetes treated?
Insulin therapy with regular injections everyday or through an insulin pump
Why does insulin therapy need to be carefully controlled?
Too much can produce a dangerous drop in blood glucose concentrations
What is hypoglycaemia?
A significant dangerous drop in blood glucose concentrations
What helps to avoid a sudden rise in glucose?
Eating regularly and controlling simple carbohydrate intake
Which type of diabetes occurs later in life?
Type 2
What are risk factors of Type 2 diabetes?
Obesity Family history of the condition Lack of exercise Age Poor Diet
When does Type 2 diabetes occur?
When β cells don’t produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin
Why do body cells sometimes not respond to insulin?
Insulin receptors don’t work properly so the cell’s don’t take up enough glucose
How can Type 2 diabetes be treated?
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Losing weight if necessary
Regular exercise
How are health advisors responding to Type 2 diabetes?
They advise people eat a low fat, sugar and salt diet
Eat lots of fruit and vegetables
Do regular exercise
Lose weight if necessary
Challenged the food industry to reduce advertising of junk food
