Glucose Homeostasis

Question 1

The enzyme which catalyses the conversion of glucose to glycogen

Answer 1

Glycogen synthase

Question 2

The enzyme which catalyses the conversion of glycogen to glucose

Answer 2

Glycogen phosphorylase

Question 3

Treatments of Type 1

Answer 3

Insulin injections

Question 4

Treatments of Type 2

Answer 4

Diet, exercise, drugs (e.g Metformin), insulin injections, gastric bypass

Question 5

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia

Answer 5

2.5> Seizures, coma, as brain needs constant supply of glucose to create ATP required for nerves to function.
2> death

Question 6

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia

Answer 6

> 20mM= glucose not reabsorbed by kidney from urine= glucose in the urine (glucosuria), resulting in polyuria (lots of urinating), compensated for by intense thirst (polydipsia). Also glycation and insulin resistance.

Question 7

Level of glycation that is a problem

Answer 7

If more than 5% of haemoblobin is in the HBA1C then it’s an issue.

Question 8

What glycation results in

Answer 8

Damage to capillaries meaning blood may not reach the extremities, leading to blindness, kidney issues, decreased healing of sores.

Question 9

HBA1C Ranges

Answer 9

<40: Normal
40-50: Insulin resistant
>50: Diabetic

Question 10

Diabetic fasting glucose and glucose at any one time

Answer 10

7mM, 11.1mM

Question 11

Symptoms of diabetes

Answer 11

Increased thirst
Increased hunger
Dry mouth
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feeling hungry)
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Headaches

Question 12

What is HbA1C

Answer 12

HbA1C is a form of haemoglobin which is glycated. If more than 5% are in this form this is a problem

Question 13

Transduction

Answer 13

The process of allosterically inducing change in the cell

Question 14

How long does it take for the insulin gene for producing more insulin to be switched on

Answer 14

30-60 minutes

Question 15

What is DKA

Answer 15

Diabetic Ketoacidosis - during gluconeogenesis triglycerides are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids. Fatty acids form acidic ketone bodies which causes the blood pH to fall dangerously low. Ketone bodies are also lost by urine, increasing dehydration

Question 16

Why HbA1C is a good test

Answer 16

Gives a more accurate representation of glucose levels in the blood over time as glucose is constantly binding to proteins so levels of HbA1C give an idea of how much glucose is/ has been in the blood. Plus haemoglobin has a half life of 14 days

Question 17

Metformin

Answer 17

Makes insulin work more effectively in the liver and reduces blood glucose levels.