Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

43. Endocrine System

Endocrine System

General Biology

43. Endocrine System

Endocrine System

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1:19 minutes

Problem 6

Textbook Question

In a glucose tolerance test, periodic measurements of blood glucose level are taken after a person drinks a glucose-rich solution. Using the hypothetical graph below, compare and contrast the results of the test for the diabetic and the healthy individual.

Verified step by step guidance

Observe the graph and identify the two lines representing the blood glucose levels of the diabetic and nondiabetic individuals over time.

Note the initial blood glucose levels for both individuals at time 0 minutes.

Compare the rate of increase in blood glucose levels for both individuals after consuming the glucose-rich solution.

Examine the peak blood glucose levels for both individuals and the time at which these peaks occur.

Compare the rate of decrease in blood glucose levels after reaching the peak for both individuals and note the final blood glucose levels at the end of the test period.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Glucose Metabolism

Glucose metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that convert glucose into energy within the body. In healthy individuals, insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, leading to a stable blood glucose level. In contrast, individuals with diabetes often have impaired insulin function, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels after glucose intake.

Insulin Response

Insulin response is the body's reaction to increased blood glucose levels, typically following carbohydrate consumption. In a healthy person, insulin is released promptly, allowing for effective glucose uptake and regulation. In diabetics, this response is delayed or insufficient, leading to prolonged high blood glucose levels, as illustrated in the graph.

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess how well the body processes glucose. After fasting, a glucose-rich solution is ingested, and blood glucose levels are measured at intervals. The results help differentiate between normal glucose metabolism and conditions like prediabetes or diabetes, as seen in the contrasting responses of the diabetic and nondiabetic individuals in the graph.