Blood Sugar Regulation & Metabolic Balance Flashcards

Reactive hypoglycemia is characterized by:

Answer: Blood glucose drops occurring 2–4 hours after a high-carbohydrate meal

Reactive hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops too low 2–4 hours after eating, often due to an exaggerated insulin release in response to a carbohydrate-rich meal.

How does soluble dietary fiber affect postprandial blood sugar regulation?

Answer: It slows gastric emptying and glucose absorption, reducing postprandial blood sugar spikes

Soluble fiber forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract that slows gastric emptying and the absorption of glucose, resulting in a more gradual rise in blood sugar and reduced insulin demand.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reflects:

Answer: Average blood glucose control over the past 2–3 months

HbA1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin with glucose attached, reflecting average blood glucose levels over approximately 2–3 months — the lifespan of red blood cells.

How does chronic elevation of cortisol affect blood glucose levels?

Answer: It raises blood glucose by stimulating gluconeogenesis and promoting insulin resistance

Cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis (new glucose production) in the liver and induces peripheral insulin resistance, both of which raise blood glucose levels as part of the stress response.

Which critical role does the liver play in blood sugar regulation?

Answer: Storing glucose as glycogen and releasing it during fasting or exercise

The liver stores glucose as glycogen after meals and releases it through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis during fasting or exercise to maintain stable blood glucose levels between meals.

Metabolic syndrome is best described as:

Answer: A cluster of conditions including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, hypertension, and elevated fasting glucose

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has at least 3 of 5 risk factors: abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and elevated fasting blood glucose — all associated with increased cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

Which meal composition strategy is most effective at reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes?

Answer: Pairing carbohydrates with protein and fat at each meal

Combining carbohydrates with protein and fat slows gastric emptying and glucose absorption, resulting in a more gradual and lower blood glucose response compared to eating carbohydrates alone.