The Endocrine System and Diabetes Mellitus

Question 1

Homeostasis of the internal environment is maintained by:

Answer 1

1. The Autonomic Nervous System (can rapidly change internal conditions)
2. The Endocrine System (slower, more precise adjustments)

Question 2

What comprises the endocrine system?

Answer 2

It is made up of glands that are widely separated from each other with no direct links.

Question 3

Male Endocrine Glands

Answer 3

Pituitary gland (brain)
Thyroid gland (neck)
Adrenal gland (stomach)
Testis (genitalia)

Question 4

Female Endocrine Glands

Answer 4

Pineal gland (brain)
Thymus (chest)
Pancreas (stomach)
Ovary (genitalia)

Question 5

What comprises an endocrine gland?

Answer 5

Endocrine glands are made up of secretory cells surrounded by an extensive network of capillaries. This allows effective distribution of hormones from the secretory cells into the bloodstream.

Question 6

How do hormones function?

Answer 6

By binding to hormone specific receptors in the target cells. The binding acts like a switch altering chemical and metabolic reactions inside the cell. Receptors are found on the surface of and inside the cells.

Question 7

How does the endocrine system function?

Answer 7

1. Variable - a change occurs in a body system like temperature or blood sugar levels.
2. Sensor - The system detects the change (receives the information)
3. Control center - determines a response (analysis of the received information)
4. Effector/Gland - carries out the response through hormone release.

Question 8

Pancreatic tissue is made up of:

Answer 8

1. Exocrine tissues (secrete pancreatic juice –> pancreatic duct–>ampula –> duodenum
2. Endocrine cells - Islets of Langerhans, secrete hormones into the blood.

Question 9

Which two hormones regulate the liver’s maintenance of blood glucose?

Answer 9

1. Insulin

2. Glucagon

Question 10

Function of Insulin

Answer 10

Allows the body to take up glucose from the blood lowering the blood sugar.

Question 11

Function of Glucagon

Answer 11

Facilitates the release of glucose into the blood.

Question 12

Two functions of the pancreas

Answer 12

1. Endocrine - produces insulin to help regulate blood sugar.
2. Exocrine - produces enzymes which help digest food.

Question 13

How does exercise affect glucose levels?

Answer 13

It reduces them.

Question 14

Name two common medication types for Type 2 diabetes?

Answer 14

Biguanides

Sulphonylureas

Question 15

Biguanides

Answer 15

Ex. Metformin

Stops the liver from producing new glucose. Reduces insulin resistance.

Question 16

Sulphyonylureas

Answer 16

ex. Gliclazide

Stimulates insulin production

Question 17

NICE recommended tests for diabetics

Answer 17

1. Weight - healthy BMI
2. Blood pressure
3. Smoking status
4. HbA1c test yearly
5. Urinary albumen
6. Serum creatinine
7. Cholestoral check yearly
8. Eye examinations (yearly)
9. Foot screening (at least annually)

Question 18

Glycogenesis

Answer 18

Conversion of glucose to glycogen

Question 19

Glyconeogenesis

Answer 19

Creation of new glucose from protein and amino acids.

Question 20

Glycogenolysis

Answer 20

Breaking down of glycogen into glucose.