Question 1: Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body cannot regulate blood glucose levels properly. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system destroying insulin-producing cells, while Type 2 results from the body's ineffective use of insulin. Explain in your own words how insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Answer: Insulin helps regulate blood glucose by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells, especially liver and muscle cells, thus lowering blood glucose levels after eating.

Question 1: Define insulin and describe its role in maintaining homeostasis of blood sugar levels.

Answer: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose, maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Question 2: List two main differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Answer: Type 1 is caused by immune destruction of insulin-producing cells and usually occurs early in life; Type 2 involves ineffective insulin use and typically develops in adulthood.

Question 1: Calculate the average blood glucose level (in mg/dL) if a person’s fasting level is 90 mg/dL and after a meal, it rises to 180 mg/dL. Use the average formula: (Fasting + Post-meal) / 2.

Answer: 135 mg/dL

Question 2: A diabetic patient has a blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL after fasting. Is this within the normal range? Provide a brief explanation.

Answer: No, normal fasting blood glucose levels are between 70-100 mg/dL; 250 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia.

Question 1: Describe an experiment to test the effect of a new drug on blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Include variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment would involve dividing diabetic mice into control and experimental groups, administering the drug to the experimental group, and measuring blood glucose levels at regular intervals. Variables to control include age, diet, and environment. Safety precautions include handling blood samples carefully to prevent contamination and ensuring ethical treatment of animals.

Question 1: A study shows that in a group of 100 people with Type 2 diabetes, 60% have blood glucose levels above 180 mg/dL after fasting. What does this data suggest about the control of blood sugar in this group?

Answer: It suggests that a majority of people with Type 2 diabetes have poor blood sugar control, indicating ineffective insulin use or production.

Question 2: In a sample of 50 individuals with Type 1 diabetes, 40% have blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL after insulin administration. What could be the reason for this low blood sugar? Explain briefly.

Answer: This could be due to excessive insulin doses or overcompensation, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Question 1: Explain the physiological differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options. (6 marks)

Answer: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, leading to little or no insulin. Symptoms include frequent urination, thirst, and weight loss; treatment involves insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, often associated with obesity and poor diet. Symptoms are similar but may develop gradually; treatment includes lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

Question 1: Describe how blood glucose monitoring devices help people with Diabetes manage their condition. Include the scientific principle behind these devices.

Answer: Blood glucose monitors measure the glucose concentration in a small blood sample using enzymatic reactions (like glucose oxidase), producing an electrical signal proportional to glucose levels. This helps individuals adjust their diet, insulin doses, or activity to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Question 2: Discuss how advances in insulin delivery technology, such as insulin pumps, improve the quality of life for diabetics.

Answer: Insulin pumps provide continuous, adjustable insulin delivery, reducing the need for multiple daily injections, improving blood sugar control, and allowing for more flexible lifestyles.