Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 2
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering the following questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Supporting Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of the Module.
SAQ 2.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.6)
Which of the following statements is false? In each case, explain why it is incorrect:
A Diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose level is always too high.
B Diabetes is becoming more common in developing countries like Ethiopia.
C Excess glucose is stored in the liver until it is needed.
D Insulin stimulates the liver to release stored glucose when the body needs more fuel.
E Exercise is not recommended for people with diabetes because it depletes the low level of glucose in their blood.
Answer
A is false. Blood glucose can also fall too low in a person with diabetes; the condition is characterised by lack of regulation of blood glucose.
B is true. Diabetes is becoming more common in developing countries like Ethiopia.
C is true. Excess glucose is stored in the liver until it is needed.
D is false. Glucagon (not insulin) stimulates the liver to release stored glucose when the body needs more fuel.
E is false. Exercise is recommended for people with diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle and maintenance of a normal weight for their height; also, the blood glucose levels of a diabetic person are often too high, as well as sometimes too low.
SAQ 2.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1 and 2.2)
Match each internal organ named in List A in Table 2.2 with the correct description in List B.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Pancreas | Stores glucose in the form of glycogen and slowly releases glucose from its glycogen stores |
| Liver | Produces many substances including hormones like insulin and glucagon |
| Digestive tract | Used for movement, e.g. in the arms and legs |
| Skeletal muscles | Breaks down foods into smaller nutrients which can be absorbed into the blood |
Answer
The completed version of Table 2.2 appears below.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Pancreas | Produces many substances including hormones like insulin and glucagon |
| Liver | Stores glucose in the form of glycogen and slowly releases glucose from its glycogen stores |
| Digestive tract | Breaks down foods into smaller nutrients which can be absorbed into the blood |
| Skeletal muscles | Used for movement, e.g. in the arms and legs |
SAQ 2.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1 and 2.3)
Mr Tajebe is a 65-year-old man who developed diabetes two years ago. His condition is controlled by diet alone at the present time. What type of diabetes does he have? Explain the reasons for your answer.
Answer
Mr Tajebe probably has Type 2 diabetes. One reason for reaching this conclusion is that his diabetes only began when he was already 63 years old, and Type 1 diabetes usually starts in children or young adults. Another reason is that his condition is currently being controlled by diet alone; Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin for its control.
SAQ 2.4 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.3 and 2.4)
List the main symptoms of diabetes that a typical patient could describe to you. How would you test for a diagnostic sign of diabetes?
Answer
The typical symptoms of diabetes are: feeling thirsty all the time and drinking of a lot of fluids, passing large amounts of urine, weight loss, and a feeling of tiredness. The best sign of diabetes is to test the urine for the presence of sugar, using a dipstick for this purpose.
SAQ 2.5 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 and 2.7)
Which of the following statements is false? In each case, explain why it is incorrect.
A Type 1 diabetes might be caused by a virus infection.
B A family history of diabetes increases the risk of developing diabetes.
C People who eat a lot of rice are at high risk of developing diabetes.
D Glucagon is the form in which excess glucose is stored in the body.
Answer
A is true. Type 1 diabetes might be caused by a virus infection.
B is true. A family history of diabetes increases the risk of developing diabetes.
C is false. Eating rice is not a risk factor for diabetes; in fact, eating a slowly broken-down carbohydrate like rice is a good choice for someone with diabetes, because the glucose levels in the body rise only slowly as rice is digested.
D is false. Glycogen (not glucagon) is the form in which excess glucose is stored in the body; glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas.
SAQ 2.6 (test Learning Outcomes 2.1, 2.5 and 2.6)
Mrs Aster is 1.6 metres tall and weighs 75 kg. What is her BMI and how would you categorise her weight? Is she at increased risk of developing diabetes?
Answer
Mrs Aster’s BMI is 29. Her weight is at the top end of the ‘overweight’ range – if she gains any more weight she will be categorised as obese. Her weight puts her at increased risk of developing diabetes.
SAQ 2.7 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1, 2.3, 2.5 and 2.7)
You are asked to produce a poster on reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. What points do you make on your poster?
Answer
Your poster might say something like:
- Don’t let yourself become overweight!
- Eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Limit your intake of sugary or fatty foods.
- Exercise every day.
Summary of Study Session 2