practical guide

Question 1

What is the aim of the study on blood glucose concentrations?

Answer 1

To determine the influence of different nutrients on the blood glucose concentrations

Question 2

What is the primary function of nutrients in the body?

Answer 2

Nutrients are absorbed by the digestive tract from the food we eat

Question 3

How does the body’s need for nutrients change?

Answer 3

It changes from moment to moment, hour to hour, and from year to year

Question 4

What must carbohydrates such as sugars and starches be broken down into?

Answer 4

Smaller molecules

Question 5

What are the immediate energy sources from carbohydrates?

Answer 5

Sugars and starches

Question 6

Where are monosaccharides absorbed?

Answer 6

Into the capillary blood in the villi

Question 7

What are the three types of monosaccharides mentioned?

Answer 7

• Glucose
• Galactose
• Fructose

Question 8

How are fatty acids and glycerol absorbed?

Answer 8

They are absorbed into the lacteal of the villi and transported to systemic circulation

Question 9

What is the soluble complex formed by fatty acids and glycerol called?

Answer 9

Chylomicrons

Question 10

What are triglycerides broken down into during digestion?

Answer 10

• Fatty acids
• Glycerol

Question 11

What is the role of the hepatic portal vein?

Answer 11

It transports absorbed nutrients to the liver

Question 12

Why is protein digestion complex and time-consuming?

Answer 12

Proteins have very complex structures and require breakdown of cell walls and connective tissues

Question 13

What must happen before enzymes can break down proteins into amino acids?

Answer 13

The plant cell walls and connective tissues in animal products must be broken down

Question 14

Where are amino acids absorbed after protein digestion?

Answer 14

Into the capillary blood in the villi

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Lipids are broken down into _______ and glycerol.

Answer 15

fatty acids

Question 16

True or False: Sugars are absorbed by the mucus membranes in the oral cavity.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What transports fatty acids and glycerol to the systemic circulation?

Answer 17

Lymph in the thoracic duct

Question 18

What must be broken down before enzymes can digest proteins into amino acids?

Answer 18

Cell walls and connective tissues in animal products

Enzymes can only act on proteins after these structures are degraded.

Question 19

Where are amino acids absorbed after digestion?

Answer 19

Into the capillary blood in the villi

Villi are small, finger-like projections in the intestine that facilitate nutrient absorption.

Question 20

How are amino acids transported to the liver?

Answer 20

Via the hepatic portal vein

The hepatic portal vein carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.

Question 21

What is glucose stored as in the liver?

Answer 21

Glycogen

Glycogen is a form of stored glucose, primarily found in the liver and muscle cells.

Question 22

What role does insulin play in blood glucose regulation?

Answer 22

Facilitates the movement of glucose from the blood into the cells

Insulin is a key hormone that helps lower blood glucose levels.

Question 23

What effect does glucagon have on blood glucose levels?

Answer 23

Increases glucose production in the liver

Glucagon acts to raise blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Question 24

What happens when blood glucose concentrations rise too high?

Answer 24

Too much insulin is secreted, causing blood glucose to fall too quickly

This can lead to hypoglycaemia, a dangerous condition.

Question 25

What is hypoglycaemia?

Answer 25

A condition where blood glucose levels fall too low ## Footnote It is particularly dangerous because the brain relies on glucose for energy.

Question 26

What are the normal fasting blood glucose concentration levels?

Answer 26

Between 3.0 mmol/l and 5.5 mmol/l ## Footnote Levels below this range can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and lack of concentration.

Question 27

What is the typical blood glucose concentration one hour after eating?

Answer 27

About 8-9 mmol/l ## Footnote Blood glucose levels rise after food ingestion due to carbohydrate digestion.

Question 28

What does the glycaemic index measure?

Answer 28

The effects of equal quantities of different carbohydrates on blood glucose levels ## Footnote It compares the blood glucose response of specific carbohydrates to a standard food.

Question 29

What is the standard food used in glycaemic index experiments?

Answer 29

Glucose or white bread ## Footnote These foods are used to benchmark the glycaemic response of other carbohydrates.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: The blood glucose concentration should be stabilized within reasonably _______.

Answer 30

narrow confines ## Footnote Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial for overall health.

Question 31

True or False: The brain can metabolize other nutrients for energy besides glucose.

Answer 31

False ## Footnote The brain primarily uses glucose as its energy source.

Question 32

What can excessive insulin lead to after a high blood glucose concentration?

Answer 32

Hypoglycaemia ## Footnote This occurs when insulin lowers blood glucose too rapidly.

Question 33

What effect does the rate of ingestion have on the glycaemic index?

Answer 33

Higher frequency and smaller amounts lower the glycaemic index. ## Footnote This suggests that how food is consumed can impact blood sugar levels.

Question 34

What factors can influence the glycaemic index of carbohydrates?

Answer 34

* Processed food * Size of the grain * Cooking and processing * Fibre content * Fats and protein ## Footnote These factors determine how quickly carbohydrates are digested and absorbed.

Question 35

What is the glycaemic index of glucose?

Answer 35

97 ## Footnote Glucose is an example of a carbohydrate with a high glycaemic index.

Question 36

How long does it take for blood glucose concentration to return to fasting values after consuming high glycaemic index foods?

Answer 36

Within two hours. ## Footnote This rapid digestion leads to quick spikes in blood glucose levels.

Question 37

What types of foods are associated with a high glycaemic index?

Answer 37

* Glucose * Coke * Cake * Biscuits * White bread ## Footnote These foods cause rapid elevation in blood glucose and insulin levels.

Question 38

What are the characteristics of vegetables and high-fibre whole grains in terms of glycaemic index?

Answer 38

They have a low glycaemic index, are slowly absorbed, and cause a smaller elevation in blood glucose levels. ## Footnote This makes them a healthier choice for maintaining stable blood sugar.

Question 39

How does dietary fibre affect blood glucose levels?

Answer 39

It stabilizes blood glucose levels by slowing down digestion. ## Footnote This contributes to bringing blood glucose levels into equilibrium.

Question 40

What is a potential pitfall of judging carbohydrates solely by their energy density?

Answer 40

It can be misleading. ## Footnote This is because energy density does not account for the glycaemic index or the rate of digestion.

Question 41

What apparatus is needed to determine blood glucose levels?

Answer 41

A glucometer. ## Footnote This device is essential for measuring blood glucose concentrations.

Question 42

What reagents are used in the glucose tolerance practical guide?

Answer 42

* Test strips * 20% glucose solution (GI - 97) * Coke * Coke lite * White bread (GI - 70) with jam or syrup * Brown bread (GI - 69) with margarine and cheese * Alcohol * Cotton wool * Paper towels ## Footnote These reagents are used for testing and comparison of glycaemic responses.

Question 43

Fill in the blank: The glycaemic index of white bread with jam or syrup is _______.

Answer 43

70 ## Footnote White bread is commonly used in glycaemic index comparisons.

Question 44

What is the minimum fasting period required before conducting the glucose tolerance test?

Answer 44

12 hours ## Footnote During this period, only water may be consumed to ensure accurate results.

Question 45

What should be limited in the breakfast before the glucose tolerance test?

Answer 45

Fat and protein intake ## Footnote This limitation helps food move rapidly through the digestive tract.

Question 46

What must test subjects avoid during the glucose tolerance test procedure?

Answer 46

Smoking ## Footnote Test subjects should also remain relaxed and calm throughout the procedure.

Question 47

What is the first step in the procedure for using a glucometer?

Answer 47

Switch the glucometer on by inserting the test strip ## Footnote The arrow on the test strip must point in the direction of the meter.

Question 48

What should be done if the code number on the glucometer does not match the test strip?

Answer 48

Press the arrows on the meter until the code numbers match ## Footnote After that, press OK to proceed.

Question 49

What is used to draw blood for the glucose test?

Answer 49

A lancet ## Footnote The fingertip must be disinfected with alcohol beforehand.

Question 50

What should you do when there is a drop of blood on the finger?

Answer 50

Place the back of the test strip against the drop of blood ## Footnote The strip uses capillary force to draw enough blood.

Question 51

What should not be done before a reading is shown on the glucometer?

Answer 51

Remove the test strip ## Footnote The reading will display on the screen once enough blood is drawn.

Question 52

How are test subjects divided for the carbohydrate intake part of the glucose tolerance test?

Answer 52

Into four groups ## Footnote Each group has a specific carbohydrate intake based on body mass.

Question 53

What is the carbohydrate intake for Group 1?

Answer 53

1 g of glucose per kg body mass ## Footnote This can be administered as 250 ml 20% glucose solution or Coke (10% sucrose solution) 5ml/kg body mass.

Question 54

What type of carbohydrate is given to Group 2?

Answer 54

White bread ## Footnote The intake is 1 g of carbohydrates per kg body mass, approximately 70 g for a person weighing 50 kg.

Question 55

What is the carbohydrate source for Group 3?

Answer 55

Brown bread ## Footnote Similar to Group 2, the intake is also 1 g of carbohydrates per kg body mass.

Question 56

What is the glucose tolerance practical guide primarily focused on?

Answer 56

The guide details methods for measuring blood glucose response to different carbohydrate interventions.

Question 57

What is the glucose dosage for Group 1?

Answer 57

1 g of glucose per kg body mass (250 ml 20% glucose solution / person of 50 kg) or Coke (10% sucrose solution) 5ml / kg body mass.

Question 58

What type of carbohydrate is administered to Group 2?

Answer 58

1 g of carbohydrates (white bread) per kg body mass (# 70 g / person of 50 kg) with jam or syrup.

Question 59

What does Group 3 consume for their carbohydrate intake?

Answer 59

1 g of carbohydrates (brown bread) per kg body mass (* 70 g / person of 50 kg) with margarine and cheese or peanut butter.

Question 60

What is the carbohydrate intervention for Group 4?

Answer 60

Coke Lite (no glucose/sucrose) 5 ml / kg body mass.

Question 61

When must carbohydrates be taken in relation to fasting blood glucose measurements?

Answer 61

Carbohydrates must be taken immediately after the fasting blood glucose measurements.

Question 62

At what time intervals should blood glucose concentrations be measured after carbohydrate ingestion?

Answer 62

Blood glucose concentrations should be measured at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after ingestion.

Question 63

What is the first step in the assignment after carbohydrate administration?

Answer 63

Tabulate the results of the four groups.

Question 64

What should be plotted on the graph for the assignment?

Answer 64

Time in minutes on the X axis and blood glucose concentrations in mmol/l on the Y axis.

Question 65

What should be included in the discussion section of the assignment?

Answer 65

An explanation of the differences in blood glucose observed for the different interventions.