Question 1: Define blood glucose and explain its importance in the human body.

Answer: Blood glucose is the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which provides energy to cells. Maintaining its level within a narrow range is vital for health and normal bodily functions.

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

Answer: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells and stimulating the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage.

Question 3: What is glucagon and how does it help increase blood glucose levels?

Answer: Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream.

Question 4: Explain what happens in the body when blood glucose levels are too high after a meal.

Answer: When blood glucose levels are too high, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose by cells and the conversion of excess glucose into glycogen in the liver, thereby lowering blood glucose levels to normal.

Question 5: Calculate the amount of glucose (in grams) in 1 litre of blood if the blood glucose concentration is 5 mmol/dm³. (Molar mass of glucose = 180 g/mol)

Answer: 0.9 grams

Question 6: Identify the variable in the experiment where you measure blood glucose levels before and after administering insulin.

Answer: Blood glucose concentration

Question 7: List two safety precautions to consider when conducting an experiment involving blood glucose measurement.

Answer: Use sterile equipment to prevent infection, and handle blood samples with care to avoid contamination and exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

Question 8: Describe a simple experimental setup to test the effect of insulin on blood glucose levels in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Collect blood samples from a suitable model or simulated system. Administer insulin to one sample and a placebo to another. Measure the blood glucose levels at regular intervals. Compare the changes to assess insulin's effect.

Question 9: A patient has consistently high blood glucose levels despite insulin therapy. Suggest two possible reasons for this condition.

Answer: Possible reasons include insulin resistance where body cells do not respond properly to insulin, or insufficient insulin production by the pancreas.

Question 10: Explain how a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) technology can help manage diabetes more effectively.

Answer: A CGM provides real-time data on blood glucose levels, allowing individuals to monitor fluctuations continuously. This helps in making timely decisions about insulin doses, diet, and activity, thus improving blood glucose management and reducing risks of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia.