QMA Insulin Understanding Diabetes and Insulin 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organ is responsible for producing insulin in the human body?
- Liver
- Pancreas (Correct answer)
- Kidneys
- Adrenal glands
Correct answer: Pancreas
The pancreas contains beta cells in the islets of Langerhans that produce and secrete insulin.
Question 2: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by which of the following?
- Insulin resistance in body cells
- Autoimmune destruction of beta cells (Correct answer)
- Excess insulin production
- Gradual onset in adulthood
Correct answer: Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Question 3: What is the primary role of insulin in glucose metabolism?
- Breaks down glycogen into glucose
- Stimulates glucose release from the liver
- Facilitates glucose uptake into cells (Correct answer)
- Inhibits glucose absorption in the intestine
Correct answer: Facilitates glucose uptake into cells
Insulin acts as a key that unlocks cells to allow glucose to enter and be used for energy.
Question 4: A resident with Type 2 diabetes has lost significant weight and now requires insulin. What most likely explains this change?
- Their diet has improved significantly
- Their beta cells have become exhausted over time (Correct answer)
- Weight loss always triggers insulin dependence
- Their insulin resistance has resolved
Correct answer: Their beta cells have become exhausted over time
In Type 2 diabetes, beta cell function can decline progressively, eventually requiring insulin therapy.
Question 5: Glucagon, produced by alpha cells of the pancreas, has which effect on blood glucose?
- Lowers blood glucose by storing it as fat
- Raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown (Correct answer)
- Prevents glucose from entering the bloodstream
- Has no effect on blood glucose levels
Correct answer: Raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown
Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose into the blood, raising blood sugar levels.
Question 6: Which statement about gestational diabetes is accurate?
- It always resolves immediately after delivery with no future risk
- It only affects the mother and not the baby
- It increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life for the mother (Correct answer)
- It is caused by an autoimmune response
Correct answer: It increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life for the mother
Women who develop gestational diabetes have a significantly elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Question 7: What does the A1C test measure in a diabetic patient?
- Current fasting blood glucose level
- Average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months (Correct answer)
- Insulin production capacity of the pancreas
- Presence of ketones in the urine
Correct answer: Average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months
The A1C test reflects the percentage of hemoglobin coated with sugar, representing average blood glucose over approximately 2-3 months.
QMA Insulin Understanding Diabetes and Insulin 2
Which organ is responsible for producing insulin in the human body?