Year 10 Biology: Controlling Blood Glucose Hormonal Coordination

Introduction to Blood Glucose Control

Blood glucose is the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. It’s important to keep this level just right for your body to function properly. If blood glucose levels are too high or too low, it can cause health problems.

Why Do We Need to Control Blood Glucose?

1. Energy Source: Glucose is a key source of energy for our cells and organs.
2. Brain Function: The brain needs a steady supply of glucose to work well.

The Role of Hormones

Hormones are special chemicals that help control how our body works. Two main hormones are involved in controlling blood glucose levels: insulin and glucagon.

Insulin

• Produced by: The pancreas.
• Function: Lowers blood glucose levels. When you eat, your blood glucose rises. Insulin helps move glucose from the blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later.

Example:

Imagine you have a piece of cake. After eating it, your blood glucose level goes up. Insulin is released to help lower that level by allowing your cells to take in the glucose.

Glucagon

• Produced by: Also the pancreas.
• Function: Raises blood glucose levels. When you haven’t eaten for a while, your blood glucose can drop. Glucagon helps release stored glucose back into the blood to increase your blood glucose levels.

Example:

If you skip lunch, your blood glucose drops. Glucagon helps release glucose from your liver, bringing your levels back to normal.

How Do Insulin and Glucagon Work Together?

Insulin and glucagon are like a see-saw. When one goes up, the other goes down. Here’s how it works:

1. After Eating: Blood glucose increases → Insulin is released → Blood glucose decreases.
2. Between Meals: Blood glucose decreases → Glucagon is released → Blood glucose increases.

Key Rules and Tips

• Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet helps maintain normal blood glucose levels.
• Regular Meals: Don’t skip meals; this helps keep your glucose levels steady.
• Exercise: Physical activity helps your body use glucose effectively.

Questions

Easy Level (1-20)

1. What is blood glucose?
2. Why is it important to control blood glucose levels?
3. Name one hormone that lowers blood glucose.
4. Where is insulin produced?
5. What does glucagon do to blood glucose levels?
6. What happens to blood glucose after you eat?
7. What is the function of insulin?
8. What does glucagon do when blood glucose is low?
9. Why do we need glucose for our brain?
10. How does regular exercise help with blood glucose?
11. What is the main organ involved in producing insulin?
12. When is insulin released?
13. How does glucagon help raise blood glucose?
14. What happens if blood glucose levels are too high?
15. What is one example of a food that can increase blood glucose?
16. How does the body respond when you skip a meal?
17. What is the role of the pancreas in blood glucose control?
18. Why is it important not to skip meals?
19. What can happen if you have too much insulin in your blood?
20. How can a balanced diet help blood glucose levels?

Medium Level (21-40)

21. Describe how insulin and glucagon work together to control blood glucose.
22. What might happen to a person with diabetes regarding blood glucose control?
23. Explain how eating a sugary snack affects blood glucose levels.
24. What role does the liver play in blood glucose regulation?
25. How does the body know when to release insulin or glucagon?
26. What is the effect of stress on blood glucose levels?
27. Why is it important for athletes to manage their blood glucose?
28. How can a lack of exercise affect glucose levels?
29. How does the body respond to a drop in blood glucose after exercise?
30. What dietary choices can help maintain stable blood glucose levels?
31. How does the body store excess glucose?
32. What are some symptoms of low blood glucose?
33. Why can diabetes lead to high blood glucose levels?
34. What lifestyle changes can help someone with diabetes?
35. How does the body use stored glucose during fasting?
36. What happens in the body when you consume a high-carb meal?
37. How can you tell if your blood glucose levels are too high?
38. What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
39. How do hormones function in general in the body?
40. Why is it important to monitor blood glucose for people with diabetes?

Hard Level (41-60)

41. Explain the feedback loop involved in blood glucose regulation.
42. What are the consequences of long-term high blood glucose levels?
43. How does insulin resistance affect blood glucose levels?
44. Describe the process of glycogenesis.
45. What role does the hypothalamus play in glucose regulation?
46. How can high blood glucose levels affect other organs in the body?
47. What is the significance of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetes management?
48. How do different types of carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels?
49. Explain how fasting affects hormone levels related to blood glucose.
50. What are the potential complications of poorly controlled diabetes?
51. How does the body adapt to prolonged high glucose levels?
52. What role does exercise intensity play in blood glucose control?
53. Discuss how certain medications can affect insulin and glucagon levels.
54. Why is it important to have a balanced intake of protein, fats, and carbohydrates?
55. How can stress management techniques affect blood glucose regulation?
56. Explain the concept of the glycaemic index.
57. How does the body regulate blood glucose during sleep?
58. What are some advanced treatments for managing blood glucose in diabetes?
59. How does hydration affect blood glucose levels?
60. Discuss the impact of age on blood glucose regulation.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. Blood glucose is the amount of sugar in your blood.
2. It’s important to provide energy and maintain brain function.
3. Insulin.
4. The pancreas.
5. Glucagon raises blood glucose.
6. Blood glucose increases.
7. Insulin lowers blood glucose.
8. Glucagon raises blood glucose.
9. The brain needs glucose for energy.
10. It helps your body use glucose more effectively.
11. The pancreas.
12. After eating.
13. Glucagon releases stored glucose.
14. High blood glucose can cause health issues.
15. Cake or sugary snacks.
16. The body releases glucagon to raise levels.
17. The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon.
18. To keep glucose levels steady.
19. Too much insulin can cause low blood glucose.
20. It helps maintain normal glucose levels.

Medium Level Answers

21. Insulin lowers glucose; glucagon raises it.
22. They struggle to control their blood glucose.
23. It raises blood glucose quickly.
24. The liver stores and releases glucose.
25. The pancreas detects glucose levels.
26. Stress can raise blood glucose.
27. To maintain energy levels during activity.
28. It can lead to higher glucose levels.
29. The body releases glucagon to raise levels.
30. Foods with low glycaemic index can help.
31. The body stores it as glycogen in the liver.
32. Symptoms include dizziness and weakness.
33. Diabetes leads to insulin issues.
34. They can eat a balanced diet and exercise.
35. The body uses glycogen stores for energy.
36. Blood glucose rises after a high-carb meal.
37. Symptoms of high blood glucose include thirst.
38. Type 1 is no insulin production; Type 2 is resistance.
39. Hormones regulate many body functions.
40. Monitoring helps manage health risks.

Hard Level Answers

41. Blood glucose rises → Insulin released → Glucose lowers → Glucagon released if low.
42. Long-term high levels can damage organs.
43. Insulin resistance means cells don’t respond well.
44. Glycogenesis is the formation of glycogen from glucose.
45. The hypothalamus helps regulate appetite and metabolism.
46. It can lead to damage in kidneys, eyes, etc.
47. HbA1c shows average blood glucose over time.
48. Complex carbs raise glucose more slowly.
49. Fasting can increase glucagon levels.
50. Complications include heart disease, nerve damage.
51. The body may develop resistance to insulin.
52. Higher intensity can lower blood glucose quicker.
53. Some medications can enhance hormone release.
54. A balanced intake helps maintain stable levels.
55. Stress management can lower glucose spikes.
56. Glycaemic index ranks carbs by their effect on glucose.
57. The body maintains levels even during sleep.
58. Treatments include insulin therapy and lifestyle changes.
59. Dehydration can raise blood glucose levels.
60. Age can affect hormone production and sensitivity.

This structured approach provides you with a clear understanding of how blood glucose is controlled in our bodies, the roles of insulin and glucagon, and why it is essential for overall health. Happy studying!