Question 1: Define Diabetes Mellitus and explain the main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Answer: Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where blood sugar levels are abnormally high due to problems with insulin production or response. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system destroying insulin-producing cells, leading to insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes involves the body's cells becoming resistant to insulin, often associated with lifestyle factors.

Question 2: Describe the role of insulin and glucagon in maintaining blood glucose levels.

Answer: Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting uptake and storage as glycogen in liver and muscles. Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver when blood sugar is low.

Question 1: A patient has a fasting blood glucose level of 7.8 mmol/L. Is this within the normal range? (Normal fasting blood glucose is 3.9 – 5.5 mmol/L). Show your calculation and reasoning.

Answer: No, 7.8 mmol/L is above the normal range of 3.9 – 5.5 mmol/L, indicating hyperglycaemia which can be associated with diabetes.

Question 1: Describe the procedure for measuring blood glucose levels using a glucometer, including safety precautions.

Answer: The procedure involves pricking the finger with a lancet to obtain a drop of blood, placing the blood on a test strip inserted into the glucometer, and reading the result displayed. Safety precautions include sterilising equipment, disposing of lancets in sharps containers, and washing hands before and after testing.

Question 2: Identify two variables that can affect the accuracy of blood glucose measurements in a practical setting.

Answer: Variables include the temperature of the environment and the quality or expiry date of the test strips.

Question 1: A group of patients has the following fasting blood glucose levels: 4.8 mmol/L, 6.0 mmol/L, 8.2 mmol/L, 5.1 mmol/L. Which of these patients may be at risk of diabetes, and why?

Answer: The patient with a level of 8.2 mmol/L is likely at risk of diabetes, as their level is above the normal fasting range, indicating possible hyperglycaemia.

Question 1: Explain how insulin therapy helps manage Type 1 diabetes and outline one potential risk associated with insulin injections.

Answer: Insulin therapy involves injecting insulin to compensate for the body's inability to produce insulin, thereby lowering blood glucose levels to normal. A potential risk is hypoglycaemia, where blood sugar drops too low, causing symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Question 1: Describe how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices improve the management of diabetes compared to traditional methods.

Answer: CGM devices provide real-time blood glucose readings throughout the day and night, allowing for better control and timely adjustments to treatment. They reduce the need for frequent finger-prick tests and help detect fluctuations early.