Control of Blood Glucose Concentration - Blood Glucose Graphs (GCSE Biology)

Blood Glucose Graphs

Interpreting Graphs

Example

Here is a graph showing blood glucose levels following a glucose tolerance test:

Blood Glucose Graphs
Blood Glucose Graphs

A) Describe the trend shown in the graph.

Good Answer:

  • There is an initial rise in glucose at the start of the test.
  • The glucose level falls earlier for the healthy patient after 50 minutes, but much later (after 100 minutes) for diabetic patient.
  • The glucose level reaches a higher peak for the diabetic patient (15 mmol/l) compared to the healthy patient (7 mmol/l).
  • Diabetic patient has higher initial glucose concentration (8 compared to 4 mmol/l)

Poor Answer:

  • A poor answer might only identify that the glucose levels falls earlier in healthy patient, but fails to use figures and also fails to recognise the difference in initial starting glucose concentration.
  • A poor answer will also start to explain – the question says describe!

B) Explain the mechanism which causes glucose levels to fall in the healthy patient.

Good Answer:

  • Increase in glucose leads to increased release of insulin from the beta cells of the pancreas (good to be specific!)
  • Therefore there is increased conversion of glucose to glycogen, and more glycogen is stored in the liver

Poor Answer:

  • Increase in glucose means more insulin ‘is present’. No mention of specific organs such as the pancreas and liver.
  • They may start to ask about the unhealthy person when the question doesn’t ask about it – e.g. ‘this does not happen for diabetic patient as they have a problem producing insulin’.

C) Explain the mechanism of Type 1 diabetes, and how it explains the trend for the diabetic patient.

Good Answer:

  • Autoimmune attack leads to destruction of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas
  • Therefore insulin is not produced as quickly when food is eaten, so slower fall in glucose

Poor Answer:

  • The insulin receptors are less receptive (this is Type 2!)
  • There is no insulin present at all after food intake (this is wrong, there is some insulin but less of it!)

D) Participants are told not to eat for 12 hours before the test. Why might this be?

Good Answer:

  • To get glucose to the lowest possible starting level
  • To ensure that food eaten previously doesn’t affect the glucose levels and hence the results.

Poor Answer:

  • To make sure his insulin producing mechanisms are working well.
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→What is the control of blood glucose concentration?

The control of blood glucose concentration refers to the process of regulating the amount of glucose in the bloodstream to maintain optimal health and functioning of the body. This process involves balancing the glucose levels in the blood to meet the energy needs of the body, without causing low or high blood sugar levels.

→What is the importance of controlling blood glucose concentration?

It is important to control blood glucose concentration because glucose is a critical source of energy for the body, especially for the brain. If blood glucose levels become too low, it can cause hypoglycemia, which can lead to fatigue, confusion, and even unconsciousness. On the other hand, if blood glucose levels become too high, it can cause hyperglycemia, which can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

→What are blood glucose graphs?

Blood glucose graphs are visual representations of the changes in blood glucose concentration over time. They are commonly used to track and monitor blood glucose levels and to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose control measures such as diet, exercise, and medication.

→What do blood glucose graphs show?

Blood glucose graphs show the changes in blood glucose concentration over time. They typically show the amount of glucose in the bloodstream at regular intervals, such as hourly or daily, and may also show the range of normal blood glucose levels for comparison.

→How are blood glucose graphs used to control blood glucose concentration?

Blood glucose graphs can be used to control blood glucose concentration by helping to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of glucose control measures. For example, blood glucose graphs can help to identify patterns or trends in blood glucose levels, such as spikes after meals or dips during exercise. This information can be used to make adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication to better control blood glucose levels and maintain optimal health.

→What is the role of insulin in controlling blood glucose concentration?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a key role in controlling blood glucose concentration. When blood glucose levels rise, such as after a meal, insulin is released to help transport glucose into the cells for energy. This helps to lower blood glucose levels and maintain optimal health. If the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to insulin properly, it can lead to high blood glucose levels and an increased risk of diabetes and other health problems.

→What are the benefits of using blood glucose graphs to control blood glucose concentration?

The benefits of using blood glucose graphs to control blood glucose concentration include:

Helping to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of glucose control measures
Identifying patterns and trends in blood glucose levels
Making adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication to better control blood glucose levels Supporting the maintenance of optimal health and reducing the risk of serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

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