NTP Blood Sugar Regulation & Metabolic Balance 3

Question 1

According to standard clinical guidelines, a fasting blood glucose level of 100–125 mg/dL is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose)

Answer

The American Diabetes Association classifies fasting blood glucose between 100–125 mg/dL as prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose), indicating elevated blood sugar that has not yet reached the diabetic diagnostic threshold of ≥126 mg/dL.

Question 2

On a ketogenic or very-low-carbohydrate diet, the brain and body primarily use which fuel source?

Accepted Answer

Ketone bodies derived from fatty acid oxidation in the liver

Answer

In the absence of adequate carbohydrates, the liver oxidizes fatty acids and produces ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetone) that serve as an alternative fuel for the brain and other tissues.

Question 3

Poor sleep quality primarily impairs blood sugar regulation by:

Accepted Answer

Elevating cortisol and growth hormone levels, increasing insulin resistance

Answer

Sleep deprivation elevates cortisol and growth hormone — both counter-regulatory hormones — which increase insulin resistance and can result in impaired glucose tolerance the following day.

Question 4

Aerobic exercise acutely improves blood glucose regulation primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Increasing insulin-independent glucose uptake by contracting muscles via GLUT4 translocation

Answer

During aerobic exercise, contracting muscles can take up glucose independently of insulin through GLUT4 transporter translocation to the cell surface, which lowers blood glucose even without increased insulin secretion.

Question 5

Which nutritional intervention most directly targets improving insulin sensitivity in clients with insulin resistance?

Accepted Answer

Reducing refined carbohydrates, increasing dietary fiber, and ensuring adequate magnesium and chromium

Answer

Reducing refined carbohydrates lowers overall insulin demand, increased fiber slows glucose absorption, and micronutrients such as magnesium and chromium directly support insulin receptor function and glucose tolerance factor activity.

(NTP) Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Practice Test

(NTP) Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Practice Test

NTP Blood Sugar Regulation & Metabolic Balance 3