Fig. 1 shows a test strip used by a clinic to compare a blood sample with a colour scale after a fasting glucose test. A nurse takes the sample before break...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a test strip used by a clinic to compare a blood sample with a colour scale after a fasting glucose test. A nurse takes the sample before breakfast so that recently absorbed food has less effect on the result. The sample spot is darker than the normal range shown on the strip. A second test on another day is needed before a diagnosis is made. High blood glucose concentration can occur when insulin is absent, when body cells do not respond well to insulin, or after a large meal.
(a) What does the dark sample spot labelled X indicate about the patient’s blood glucose concentration? [1]
(b) Give the name of the condition in which the body cannot control blood glucose concentration properly. [1]
(c) Describe two differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. [4]
(d) Explain why the nurse asks the patient to fast before this test. [2]
(e) State one way a person with type 2 diabetes may reduce blood glucose concentration without insulin injections. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The dark sample spot indicates that the patient has a high blood glucose concentration, above the normal range. [1]
(b) The condition in which blood glucose concentration is not controlled properly is diabetes. [1]
(c) In type 1 diabetes, little or no insulin is produced [1], commonly because beta cells in the pancreas have been destroyed [1]. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced but body cells are less responsive to it [1]. Type 1 diabetes needs insulin replacement, whereas type 2 diabetes can often be controlled using diet, exercise or loss of excess body mass [1].
(d) Absorption of food after a recent meal can temporarily raise blood glucose concentration [1]. Fasting means the result is less affected by a recent meal, making comparison with the normal range more reliable [1].
(e) One acceptable method is regular exercise: muscles use more glucose in respiration [1], lowering blood glucose concentration [1]. Reducing carbohydrate or sugary-food intake, or losing excess body mass to improve insulin response, are also acceptable. [2 maximum]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
