Unit 3: Insulin

Question 1

Insulin injections advantages (2)

Answer 1

Equipment is cheaper, more discrete as easier to conceal.

Question 2

Insulin injections disadvantages (3)

Answer 2

Uses more insulin, does not control blood glucose levels as well which leads to more swings in blood glucose levels (which can lead to health effects), requires more careful control of diet and exercise.

Question 3

Advantages of insulin pumps (5)

Answer 3

Allows the delivery of more precise volumes of insulin (therefore offering better control of blood glucose level), Reduces risk of long term effects of diabetes due to more control, uses less insulin, more flexibility of diet and exercise, computer keeps accurate records of insulin usage history.

Question 4

Disadvantages of insulin pumps (5)

Answer 4

Equipment is more expensive, pump may be uncomfortable, problems in some situations like contact sports, users may have to do more blood glucose tests per day to identify if pump is working effectively, increased amount of scar tissue round injection sites.