14.4 Diabetes and its Control

Question 1

What is type one diabetes + what does evidence suggest?

Answer 1

Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans don’t produce insulin.
Evidence suggests that the immune system attacks the beta cells

Question 2

What is the main treatment for diabetes and what happens if it’s done incorrectly?

Answer 2

Regular injections of insulin
Too much- hypoglycaemia- unconsciousness
Too little- hyperglycaemia- unconsciousness/ death

Question 3

What is type 2 diabetes?

Answer 3

When beta cells don’t produce enough insulin or the person’s body cells do not respond to insulin (because the receptors don’t work properly).

Question 4

What often causes type 2 diabetes?

Answer 4

Excess body weight
Lack of exercise
Overeating of (refined) carbohydrates

Question 5

Name 4 treatments for type 2 diabetes.

Answer 5

Regulate carbohydrate intake through diet
Increase exercise levels
Weight loss
Worst case: drugs that stimulate insulin production or insulin injections

Question 6

Name 7 symptoms of diabetes.

Answer 6

Glucose in urine
Excessive urinating
Excessive thirst
Always hungry
Weight loss
Blurred vision
Tiredness

Question 7

How is medically produced insulin made?

Answer 7

It is made by genetically modified bacteria.

Question 8

Name 4 advantages of medically produced insulin.

Answer 8

Less likely to cause an allergic reaction
Higher quantities
Cheaper
Morals

Question 9

What is a totipotent stem cell?

Answer 9

Stem cells that can grow into any type of cell.

Question 10

Where would the stem cells come from to be differentiated into beta cells?

Answer 10

From embryos

Question 11

State 3 advantages of using stem cells instead of transplants.

Answer 11

Donor availability is not an issue
Reduce rejection likelihood
People no longer have to inject themselves with insulin