Diabetes is a collection of diseases in which blood glucose levels (i.e., blood sugar) is too high. The most common types of diabetes are type II diabetes, type I diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes.



Diabetes

Immediately after a healthy person consumes a meal high in carbohydrates, their blood glucose level rises. Which of the following describes the body's primary hormonal response to bring this level back to a stable state?

A healthy individual consumes a meal rich in carbohydrates, causing their blood glucose level to rise significantly. Based on this physiological change, describe the primary hormonal response that will occur to return blood glucose to a stable level. Identify the specific hormone and explain its role in this process.

Hormonal Response to a Meal

A pancreatic hormone essential for maintaining stable levels of blood sugar throughout the day by lowering blood glucose levels. 

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Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, may contribute to sudden cardiac death in anorexia nervosa patients. Serum glucose levels of 35mg/dl or below, and hemoglobin A1c levels of 5.0% or below are cause for concern. Anorexia nervosa patients are particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia as the disorder impairs gluconeogenesis, and refeeding in treatment may lead to paradoxical excessive insulin secretion. Furthermore, due to chronic malnutrition and hypoglycemia, anorexia nervosa patients may not notice symptoms indicating acute hypoglycemia and may not seek treatment or help in time. 

Hypoglycemia and Sudden Cardiac Death in Anorexia Nervosa Patients

The pancreas secrete the following hormones to manage blood sugar levels:

* Insulin
* Glucagon

Hormones Secreted by Pancreas to Regulate Blood Sugar

The University of Texas at Austin Division of Diversity and Community Engagment. (n.d.) Medical Disabilities. Services for Students with Disabilities. https://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/medical-disabilities/

Medical Disabilities (University of Texas Article)

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Hemoglobin A1c measures the average percentage of glucose or sugar in a patient's blood over the previous three months. Most commonly, it is used to detect or measure symptoms of diabetes. In general, levels below 5.7% are considered healthy, levels between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered indicative of prediabetes, while levels above that indicate diabetes. 

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Insulin

A pancreatic hormone essential for maintaining stable levels of blood sugar throughout the day by raising blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Based on the following scenario, identify which pancreatic hormone is likely deficient and explain its role in the process of lowering blood sugar.

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