Unit 2 (K8) - Blood Glucose Levels and Obesity

Question 1

How are blood glucose levels regulated?

Answer 1

Cells in the pancreas respond to changing glucose levels by releasing hormones which stimulate or inhibit the interconversion of glucose and glycogen.

Question 2

Describe how the body raises blood glucose levels if they are too low.

Answer 2

1. Cells in the pancreas release glucagon.
2. Glucagon activates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, increasing blood glucose concentration back to normal levels.

Question 3

Describe how the body lowers blood glucose levels if they are too high.

Answer 3

1. Cells in the pancreas release insulin.
2. Insulin activates the conversion of glucose to glycogen in the liver, decreasing glucose concentrations back to normal levels.

Question 4

What is the effect of adrenaline on blood glucose levels?

Answer 4

Adrenaline increases blood glucose levels.

Question 5

How does adrenaline increase blood glucose levels?

Answer 5

1. Stimulates glucagon secretion and inhibits insulin secretion.
2. Glucagon activates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in liver, increasing blood glucose to meet body’s demands.

Question 6

Where is adrenaline released from?

Answer 6

Adrenal glands.

Question 7

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and what causes it?

Answer 7

1. High blood glucose and glucose in the urine.
2. Person will feel tired and thirsty.
3. Unable to produce insulin so usually occurs in childhood.

Question 8

How is type 1 diabetes treated?

Answer 8

Regular insulin injections.

Question 9

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Answer 9

A decrease in the number of insulin receptors in the liver leading to a failure to convert glucose to glycogen.
2. Usually occurs in people who are overweight.

Question 10

How do doctors test for diabetes?

Answer 10

1. Initial screening is test blood glucose levels an test the urine for glucose.
2. If diabetes is suspected then a glucose tolerance test is used.

Question 11

Why are long term high glucose levels bad?

Answer 11

Can lead to atherosclerosis and blood vessel damage.

Question 12

What is obesity?

Answer 12

1. Having excess fat in relation to lean body tissue.
2. Having a BMI over 30.

Question 13

Who might be wrongly classified as obese if using BMI?

Answer 13

People with very large muscle mass.

Question 14

Which diseases are more likely if you are obese?

Answer 14

1. Cardiovascular disease
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Cancer

Question 15

Why is exercise important in reducing obesity?

Answer 15

1. Increases amount of energy used.
2. It builds up muscle tissue.

Question 16

What type of diet helps prevent obesity?

Answer 16

1. Low in fat and low in sugar.

Question 17

Other than its effects on preventing obesity, why does taking regular exercise contribute to good health?

Answer 17

1. Increases the HDL/LDL ration which reduces atherosclerosis and hypertension.
2. Reduces stress.