Diabetes

• What is the role of insulin in the body?

  Insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels
• When is insulin released by the pancreas?

  When blood glucose concentration is high
• What does insulin do to cells in the body?

  It tells them to absorb excess glucose
• What is glycogen?

  Glycogen is stored glucose in the body
• What happens to blood glucose levels when insulin acts?

  Blood glucose levels decrease to normal
• How many types of diabetes are there?

  Two types
• What is the underlying problem in both types of diabetes?

  Inability to regulate blood glucose levels
• When does type 1 diabetes generally occur?

  In childhood or teenage years
• What happens to insulin production in type 1 diabetes?

  Pancreas stops producing insulin
• What is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes?

  Injecting insulin
• Where is insulin typically injected for type 1 diabetes?

  Into the abdomen or thigh
• How does injecting insulin after a meal help type 1 diabetes patients?

  It mimics the pancreas releasing insulin
• What factors determine the amount of insulin a type 1 diabetes patient needs to inject?

  What they've eaten and exercise level
• Why are people with diabetes encouraged to avoid sugary foods?

  To prevent high blood glucose levels
• How does exercise affect insulin needs in diabetes patients?

  More exercise means less insulin needed
• Who is most likely to develop type 2 diabetes?

  Older people with unhealthy diets
• What is the main problem in type 2 diabetes?

  Cells become resistant to insulin
• What happens to insulin production in type 2 diabetes?

  Pancreas may produce excess insulin
• Why wouldn't giving insulin help in type 2 diabetes?

  Cells don't respond to insulin
• What is the main treatment for type 2 diabetes?

  Healthy low sugar diet and exercise
• What are the key differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

  • Type 1:
  • Occurs in childhood/teenage years
  • Pancreas stops producing insulin
  • Treatment: Insulin injections
  • Type 2:
  • Occurs in older adults
  • Cells become resistant to insulin
  • Treatment: Healthy diet and exercise