Module 5: Diabetes and its control

Question 1

What are the 2 types of diabetes?

Give 1 point that summarises the difference between the 2 types

Answer 1

Type 1 and Type 2

In Type 1 diabetes , the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans do not produce insulin
In Type 2 diabetes , the beta cells either do not produce enough insulin or their body cells do not respond properly to insulin

Question 2

Explain why in type 2 diabetes , the persons body cells do not respond to insulin and the effect this has

Answer 2

because the glycoprotein insulin receptors on the cell membrane do not work properly so cells lose their responsiveness to insulin and therefore don’t take up enough glucose

Question 3

Is diabetes a treatable disease ?

Answer 3

no , however it can be controlled successfully

Question 4

State and describe how type 1 diabetes is controlled
3 points

Answer 4

it is controlled by regular injections of insulin
the insulin increases the amount of glucose absorbed by cells and causes glycogenesis to occur which results in a reduction of blood glucose concentration

Question 5

Describe 3 ways that type 2 diabetes is controlled

Answer 5

-through regulating carbohydrate intake and increasing exercise levels
-drugs that either stimulate insulin production or slow down the rate at which the body absorbs glucose from the intestine
-insulin injections

Question 6

Give 4 advantages of the introduction of medically produced insulin

Answer 6

-human insulin is produced in a pure form which means its less likely to cause allergic reactions that insulin extracted from cows etc
-insulin can be produced in much higher quantities
-production is much cheaper
-concerns of using animal products in humans are overcome