Question 1: Define the term 'homeostasis' as it relates to blood glucose levels.

Answer: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment, including blood glucose levels, despite external changes.

Question 2: Explain the role of the hormone insulin in blood glucose regulation.

Answer: Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and stimulating the conversion of glucose into glycogen in the liver.

Question 3: Describe how glucagon affects blood glucose levels during fasting.

Answer: Glucagon raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver.

Question 4: What is the primary organ involved in blood glucose regulation?

Answer: The liver.

Question 5: Identify the main difference between insulin and glucagon in terms of their effect on blood glucose levels.

Answer: Insulin decreases blood glucose levels, while glucagon increases them.

Question 1: A blood glucose test shows a level of 8.5 mmol/L after fasting. After a carbohydrate-rich meal, the level rises to 12.0 mmol/L. Calculate the increase in blood glucose levels in mmol/L.

Answer: 3.5 mmol/L

Question 2: If a person’s blood glucose level is 5 mmol/L in fasting state and increases by 4 mmol/L after a meal, what is their post-meal blood glucose level?

Answer: 9 mmol/L

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to test the effect of a carbohydrate-rich meal on blood glucose levels. Include the variables you would control and measure.

Answer: Participants would fast overnight, then measure baseline blood glucose. After consuming a carbohydrate-rich meal, blood glucose is measured at intervals. Controlled variables include age, activity level, and meal composition. The independent variable is the meal type, and the dependent variable is blood glucose level.

Question 1: A group of volunteers has their blood glucose levels measured before and after consuming a glucose solution. The mean pre-meal level is 5.2 mmol/L, and post-meal is 10.8 mmol/L. Explain what this data suggests about the effect of the glucose solution.

Answer: The data indicates that the glucose solution causes a significant increase in blood glucose levels, demonstrating the body's response to carbohydrate intake.

Question 1: Explain the hormonal mechanism involved in lowering blood glucose levels after eating a carbohydrate-rich meal. Include the roles of the pancreas, insulin, and liver in your answer.

Answer: After a carbohydrate-rich meal, blood glucose levels rise, stimulating the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose by body cells and stimulates the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage. This process reduces blood glucose levels, maintaining homeostasis.

Question 1: Describe how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices help individuals with diabetes manage their condition. Include potential benefits and limitations.

Answer: CGM devices provide real-time blood glucose data, allowing individuals to adjust insulin and diet accordingly. Benefits include better glycaemic control and fewer emergencies. Limitations include cost, need for calibration, and possible device malfunctions.