The Pancreas & Diabetes

Question 1

Define Homeostasis?

Answer 1

Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment.

Question 2

Is the pancreas an exocrine or endocrine gland?

Answer 2

The pancreas functions as both an exocrine and an endocrine gland.

Question 3

How is the pancreas an exocrine gland?

Answer 3

The pancreas functions as an exocrine gland by secreting pancreatic juice into the duodenum via the pancreatic duct.

Question 4

How is the pancreas an endocrine gland?

Answer 4

The pancreas functions as an endocrine gland by secreting insulin and glucagon directly into the blood from the islets of Langerhans.

Question 5

Explain how John’s pancreas helped to regulate his low blood sugar levels after not eating for 14 hours.

Answer 5

John’s pancreas detects low blood sugar levels and the alpha cells secrete glucagon, which converts stored glycogen back into glucose, raising blood sugar levels.

Question 6

What is the optimal/healthy range of blood sugar levels (mg/dl)?

Answer 6

The optimal range of blood sugar levels is typically between 70 and 130 mg/dl.

Question 7

Explain how Thandi’s pancreas will help to regulate her spiking blood sugar levels after a large carbohydrate-packed meal.

Answer 7

Thandi’s pancreas detects raised blood sugar levels and the beta cells secrete insulin, which promotes glucose absorption by cells, converting glucose to glycogen and increasing its use in respiration.

Question 8

Discuss the role of the alpha cells in regulating blood sugar levels.

Answer 8

Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels by converting glycogen to glucose when blood sugar levels are low.

Question 9

Discuss the role of beta cells in regulating blood sugar levels.

Answer 9

Beta cells secrete insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels by promoting glucose absorption and conversion to glycogen when blood sugar levels are high.

Question 10

What is the term for glucose remaining in the blood instead of being absorbed and converted in the body’s cells?

Answer 10

The term is hyperglycemia.

Question 11

Which group of hormone-secreting glands detects the level of blood glucose in the pancreas?

Answer 11

The islets of Langerhans detect blood glucose levels.

Question 12

In the process of blood sugar regulation, where is there a negative feedback loop and which organ is involved other than the pancreas?

Answer 12

The negative feedback loop occurs when blood sugar levels return to normal, and the liver is also involved in this process.

Question 13

In the islets of Langerhans, which cells cause a fall in blood sugar levels?

Answer 13

The alpha cells cause a fall in blood sugar levels by secreting glucagon.

Question 14

Name another hormone-secreting gland and the hormone it secretes that aids the beta cells of the pancreas in raising blood glucose levels.

Answer 14

The adrenal glands secrete adrenaline, which aids in raising blood glucose levels.

Question 15

Name four ways how adrenaline aids beta cells in raising blood glucose levels.

Answer 15

1. Increases the conversion of glycogen to glucose. 2. Increases the use of fats for energy. 3. Speeds up cellular respiration. 4. Decreases insulin secretion.

Question 16

How many types of diabetes are there? Please name them.

Answer 16

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Question 17

Define hyperglycemia.

Answer 17

Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally elevated blood sugar levels.

Question 18

List 4 possible consequences of hyperglycemia.

Answer 18

1. Frequent urination. 2. Increased thirst/hunger. 3. Weight loss. 4. Poor vision.

Question 19

Is type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disease? If so, justify why.

Answer 19

Yes, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease because the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Question 20

Typically what onset is type 1 diabetes and further what age group does it typically affect?

Answer 20

Type 1 diabetes typically has an early onset and affects people below the age of 20.

Question 21

What are possible treatments for type 1 diabetes?

Answer 21

Possible treatments include insulin injections and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Question 22

Can we cure type 1 diabetes?

Answer 22

Currently, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes.

Question 23

What similarities do type 1 diabetes and hyperglycemia have?

Answer 23

Both involve elevated blood sugar levels and can lead to similar symptoms and complications.

Question 24

Is type 1 diabetes purely hereditary? Justify your answer.

Answer 24

No, type 1 diabetes is not purely hereditary; environmental factors also play a role in its onset.

Question 25

What typical age demographic does type 2 diabetes affect, and what onset is type 2 diabetes?

Answer 25

Type 2 diabetes typically affects people over 40 years of age and has a late onset.

Question 26

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Answer 26

Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance and/or insufficient insulin production by the beta cells.

Question 27

Distinguish the two causes of type 2 diabetes related to insulin.

Answer 27

1. Insulin is produced but can’t be used effectively (insulin resistance). 2. Insulin is not produced by the beta cells.

Question 28

What possible treatments are there for type 2 diabetes?

Answer 28

Possible treatments include dietary regulation, exercise, and medication.

Question 29

Name 3 acute complications of type 2 diabetes.

Answer 29

1. Abnormally elevated blood sugar. 2. Dizziness, extreme fatigue/exhaustion. 3. Poor vision.

Question 30

Name 3 symptoms of abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Answer 30

1. Shakiness. 2. Rapid heartbeat. 3. Irritability.

Question 31

Name 3 chronic complications of type 2 diabetes.

Answer 31

1. Disease of the blood vessels (small and large). 2. Damage to the eyes. 3. Damage to the kidneys, nerves, and heart.

Question 32

True or False: Many genetic factors can affect a person, leading them to develop type 2 diabetes?

Answer 32

True.