Unit 2-Blood Glucose Levels And Obesity Flashcards
What are normal blood glucose levels?
4 to 7 millimoles per litre
Why do cells need a supply of glucose?
For respiration for energy.
What level of blood glucose may indicate a person has diabetes?
An elevated blood glucose level.
What can happen if someone has chronic elevated blood glucose levels?
Endothelial lining blood vessels absorb far more glucose than normal.
Can cause atherosclerosis and blood vessel damage.
What is the difference between macrovascular and microvascular disease?
Macrovascular disease refers to damage to large blood vessels.
Microvascular disease refers to damage to small blood vessels.
Give an example of what macrovascular disease can lead to?
cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks
stroke
peripheral vascular disease - reduced blood flow to the legs, arms or other parts of the body
Give an example of what microvascular disease can lead to?
haemorrhaging of blood flow vessels in the retina, which can result in blindness
renal failure
peripheral nerve dysfunction - this can cause numbness or pain, and slow or stop the healing of injuries in the hands and feet.
Name the organs involved in glucose balance?
Pancreas and liver
Name the hormones involved in glucose balance?
Insulin and glucagon
When is insulin released into the body?
When glucose levels in the blood increase.
What does insulin turn glucose into?
Glycogen
When is glucagon released in the body?
When glucose levels in the blood decrease.
Where is glycogen found in the body?
In the liver.
Where is glucagon made in the body?
The pancreas.
What is the target organ of glucagon?
The liver