Diabetes mellitus

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FOOD<br /> the ultimate educational resource<br /> TEACHER NOTES<br /> <br /> teachers’ notes S1.1<br /> S1. Diabetes mellitus<br /> In this text-based activity pupils are given a simple introduction todiabetes<br /> and are asked to carry out some research.<br /> The answers to the questionscannotbe found on the sheet, the pupils will<br /> have to undertake a literature search.<br /> Answers to the questions on Pupil activity sheet S1:<br /> 1. 16 correct foods appear in the pack of playing cards from the<br /> introductory section of this resource.<br /> 2. 15 correct foods appear in the playing cards from the introduction<br /> section of this resource.<br /> 3. starch<br /> 4. glycogen<br /> 5. The most well known ones are saccharin, aspartame and<br /> acesulphame K. Others may be found in the full list of additives and E-<br /> numbers which features in the reference material of this resource.<br /> 6. Insulin is a protein which will be digested and, hence, broken down<br /> into its constituent amino acids if taken orally.<br /> 7. adrenalin<br /> 8. Tooth decay (dental caries) is caused by bacteria. The bacterial<br /> enzymes break down sugary and starchy foods in the mouth and<br /> produce acids as by-products. Acids dissolve the calcium salts in the<br /> teeth forming cavities.<br /> KS3<br /> science and food technology<br /> Timing - 15 - 25 minutes<br /> depending on the resources<br /> available<br /> Pupil activity sheet S1 accompanies<br /> this activity.<br /> <br /> pupil activity S1 DIABETES MELLITUS<br /> Diabetes is a condition in which people are unable to control the amount ofglucose<br /> that is in their blood. Glucose is a simple sugar. It belongs to the group of nutrients<br /> calledcarbohydrates.<br /> All of the cells in your body need a constant supply of glucose. When you are<br /> exercising, the cells in your muscles will need a greater supply than normal. Glucose<br /> is used in the process known asrespiration. This process produces energy.<br /> The amount of glucose in your blood is controlled by special substances called<br /> hormones. The hormones that control the amount of blood glucose are calledinsulin<br /> andglucagon. Diabetes happens if a person is unable to produce insulin. Without<br /> insulin the cells of your body are unable to use glucose. Some of the first symptomsof<br /> diabetes include lethargy (extreme tiredness), thirst and the presence of glucose inthe<br /> urine. The disease can lead to serious problems. In some cases it can be fatal.<br /> Diabetics(people who have diabetes) have two main ways in which they can correct<br /> the problems due to this condition. Some of them can lead a normal life simply by<br /> keeping a tight check on the amount of carbohydrate they eat. Other diabetics have<br /> to have regular injectionsof insulin as well as being careful of the amount of<br /> carbohydrate they eat.<br /> It can be seen that it is very important for diabetics to know how much carbohydrate<br /> is in the food they eat. It is very easy for them to eat too many sugary foods.<br /> Some food companies have producedartificial sweeteners. Their availability is very<br /> helpful to diabetics. The sweeteners can be used in the production of foods such as<br /> jams, chocolate and drinks. They can also be use in baking. Artificial sweeteners are<br /> sweet tasting substances but they do not add to the amount of glucose in the<br /> bloodstream. Artificial sweeteners are useful because they can also be used to<br /> produce foods to be included in aweight reducing diet. Their use in fizzy drinks, for<br /> example, can also help in the battle against tooth decay.<br /> Task<br /> Find outthe answers to the following questions. You will have to research the answers;<br /> none of them can be found on this sheet.<br /> 1.Find the names offourfoods which havelessthan 5 g of carbohydrate per 100 g<br /> of food.<br /> 2.Find the names offourfoods which havemorethan 40 g of carbohydrate per<br /> 100 g of food.<br /> 3.What is the name of thestorage carbohydrateinplants?<br /> 4.What is the name of thestorage carbohydrateinanimals?<br /> 5.Find the names oftwo artificial sweeteners.<br /> 6.Why does insulin have to beinjectedinto the blood rather than taken by mouth?<br /> 7.Find the name of thehormonewhich is produced in times of stress. It makes<br /> your heart beat faster and is a favourite of sports commentators!<br /> 8.What is the sequence of events that leads totooth decay?