Fig. 1 shows a patch worn on the upper arm by a person who uses a continuous glucose monitor. A tiny sensor sits just under the skin and sends readings to a...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a patch worn on the upper arm by a person who uses a continuous glucose monitor. A tiny sensor sits just under the skin and sends readings to a phone. The phone gives an alarm if the glucose concentration around body cells is predicted to become too low. The person is about to sleep after taking insulin at dinner. They keep a packet of glucose tablets beside the bed in case the alarm sounds.
(a) What does the sensor labelled X monitor? [1]
(b) When would the phone alarm be useful for this person? [1]
(c) Give the name for a blood glucose concentration that is too low. [1]
(d) Describe why taking glucose tablets can treat this condition quickly. [3]
(e) Explain why taking too much insulin can cause the condition in part (c). [2]
(f) Give two safety advantages of using the monitor shown in Fig. 1. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The sensor monitors glucose concentration in body fluid, or blood glucose concentration. [1]
(b) The alarm is useful when glucose concentration is falling below a safe level, especially during sleep when symptoms may not be noticed. [1]
(c) Blood glucose concentration that is too low is called hypoglycaemia. [1]
(d) The tablets contain glucose [1]. This glucose is absorbed into the blood [1], so blood glucose concentration rises [1]. Glucose is a small soluble molecule, so it can raise concentration rapidly after absorption.
(e) Insulin causes body cells to remove glucose from the blood [1]. Too large a dose causes too much glucose to be removed, so concentration falls too low [1].
(f) Accept any two safety advantages: it gives frequent or continuous readings; it warns of low glucose; it can warn during sleep; it helps the person choose food or insulin doses; or it reduces the risk of severe hypoglycaemia. [2]
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