Question 1

What are the main hormones that control blood glucose?

Accepted Answer

Insulin and glucagon have opposite effects on blood glucose. Insulin is released mainly by beta cells when glucose is high, while glucagon is released by alpha cells when glucose is low.

Question 2

How does insulin lower blood glucose?

Accepted Answer

Insulin enables cells to take in glucose from the blood. It also promotes the conversion of excess glucose into glycogen by the liver and muscle, reducing the amount of glucose remaining in blood.

Question 3

What does glucagon do when blood glucose is low?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon mainly acts on the liver and stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis. These processes release glucose into the blood and help raise its level; glucagon has no significant direct effect on muscle glycogen.

Question 4

What is the difference between polyuria and polydipsia?

Accepted Answer

Polyuria means frequent or excessive urination, while polydipsia means excessive thirst. In diabetes mellitus, these are important symptoms associated with hyperglycaemia and glycosuria.

Question 5

Why is diabetes mellitus linked with insulin?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus can develop when insulin secretion is deficient or when insulin does not function efficiently. As a result, blood glucose remains high instead of returning to its regulated range.

Pancreas & Blood Glucose — Insulin, Glucagon & Diabetes Mellitus in 3D

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