Nutrition D.5: Glucose Uptake

Question 1

5.1. State the normal levels of blood glucose at rest

Answer 1

Between 4.0 MMOL/L - 4.5 MMOL/L

Question 2

5.2. Outline the causes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia

Answer 2

HYPOGLYCEMIA - LOW BLOOD SUGAR

• Insufficient food intake
• Excessive exercise
• High insulin levels among diabetes

Question 3

5.2. Outline the causes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia

Answer 3

HYPERGLYCEMIA - HIGH BLOOD SUGAR

• Infections (such as a cold or flu)
• Low insulin levels in diabetics

Hyperglycemia usually develops slowly, over several hours or days

Question 4

5.3. Explain the transportation of glucose at rest

Answer 4

• Glucose uptake into a cell is facilitated by the glucose transport proteins GLUT-4 and GLUT-1
• Muscle fibers also contain glucose transport proteins GLUT1 and GLUT-4
• During rest, most glucose enters cells via the GLUT-1 transporters

Question 5

5.3. Explain the transportation of glucose during physical activity (important !!)

Answer 5

• Training increases the amount of GLUT-4 in muscle cells
• Higher GLUT-4 leads to higher amount of glucose uptake by cell during exercise
• Exercise makes muscle cells more efficient in using GLUT-4 without insulin
• Training promotes conversion of intracellular glucose to glucose-6-phosphate

Question 6

5.4. Outline the effect of training on an athlete’s ability to take in glucose at the cellular level

Answer 6

Exercise increases GLUT-4 proteins amount → boosting glucose uptake for fuel