Question 1: Explain why maintaining blood glucose levels is particularly important for astronauts during space missions.

Answer: Maintaining blood glucose levels is crucial for astronauts because it provides a steady source of energy, supports brain function, and prevents health issues caused by hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in the microgravity environment.

Question 1: Define the roles of insulin and glucagon in blood glucose regulation.

Answer: Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting its uptake into cells, while glucagon raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver.

Question 2: Describe how the body detects changes in blood glucose levels.

Answer: Special cells in the pancreas called islet cells detect changes in blood glucose levels and release insulin or glucagon accordingly.

Question 1: An astronaut's blood glucose level is measured at 150 mg/dL after a meal. If the normal post-meal blood glucose range is 140-180 mg/dL, does this level indicate hyperglycemia or normal? Show your reasoning.

Answer: The level is within the normal post-meal range (140-180 mg/dL), so it indicates normal blood glucose levels.

Question 2: Calculate the amount of glucose (in grams) in 1 deciliter (dL) of blood if the glucose concentration is 100 mg/dL. (Hint: 1 gram = 1000 mg)

Answer: 0.1 grams

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test how microgravity affects insulin secretion in astronauts. Include the variables you would control and safety precautions.

Answer: The experiment would involve measuring insulin levels in astronauts before and after exposure to microgravity using blood samples. Controlled variables include diet, activity levels, and timing of measurements. Safety precautions involve sterile techniques, proper handling of blood samples, and ethical approval for human testing.

Question 1: An astronaut's blood glucose level was recorded as 70 mg/dL after a long spacewalk. If normal fasting blood glucose is 70-100 mg/dL, what does this suggest about their glucose status? What might be the cause?

Answer: It suggests the astronaut's blood glucose is at the lower end of normal, possibly indicating increased energy expenditure or early signs of hypoglycemia caused by prolonged activity in microgravity.

Question 1: Explain how the hormonal regulation of blood glucose levels might need to adapt for astronauts during extended space missions. Include the roles of insulin and glucagon in your answer.

Answer: In space, microgravity can alter normal hormonal responses. Insulin secretion might decrease or become less effective, leading to higher blood glucose levels. Glucagon may be overproduced to compensate, raising blood glucose excessively. The body may need to adapt by modifying hormone sensitivity or secretion patterns to maintain stable glucose levels, ensuring astronauts have a reliable energy source and preventing health issues.

Question 1: Discuss how understanding blood glucose regulation is important for developing wearable health monitoring devices for astronauts in space. What features should such devices include?

Answer: Understanding blood glucose regulation helps in designing devices that can continuously monitor glucose levels, alert astronauts to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, and automatically administer insulin or glucagon if needed. Features should include non-invasive sensors, real-time data transmission, and automated response systems.