Year 11 Human Biology - (Type 2 Diabetes) Report on a Biological Issue

This page will assist Year 11 Human Biology Students to learn about Type 2 Diabetes and different perspective on causes, prevention strategies and treatment for Type 2 Diabetes.  It is designed to assist students in completing a full written report for:

Biology 1.2 (AS90926) Report on a Biological Issue (3 credits)

According to NZQA, a full report for excellence must include the following:

·      refining a given or agreed question or purpose

·      explaining the biological ideas that are related to the question or purpose

·      collecting and processing primary or secondary data and/or information from a range of sources

·      identifying at least two different points of view supported by evidence

·      taking and justifying a position on the issue

·      presenting findings.

The given question for this report is:

"In what ways can we reduce the risk of New Zealanders suffering from Type 2 Diabetes?"

Your task is to refine this question to explore at least two risk factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and at least two lifestyle factors that decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It is important to credit your sources as you report on their viewpoints and integrate ideas to come up with your own strategy or action plan.

Follow the writing frame to guide you as you explore the resources below.

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Watch the video below to discover the biology of Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance


Questions:

1. What is different about the blood of people with Type 2 Diabetes?
2. Which foods increase the amount of glucose in our blood>
3. What part of the body produces the hormone insulin?
4. How does insulin relate to the amount of glucose in the blood?
5. What is insulin resistance?
6. What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
7. What is the consequence of having high blood glucose over a long period of time?
8. What risk factors are identified in this video that increase the chance of getting diabetes?

PREVENTION AND CAUSES

Diabetes is considered to be a lifestyle illness. Watch this video to identify some of the ways diabetes can be prevented.

Questions:

1. What were the symptoms Laleh experienced that indicated that she may be diabetic?
2. Why was Laleh experiencing fatigue?
3. What are the 4 main risk factors that can predispose someone to get diabetes?

Follow up questions to research:
4. How does exercise relate to the risk of type 2 diabetes?
5. How does diet relate to the risk of type 2 diabetes?

OBESITY AND DIABETES

The Video Below is a talk by Sarah Hallberg who discuses Obesity and Insulin Resistance. Although the two are linked, how does targeting obesity differ from targeting insulin resistance?

Questions:
1. How do carbohydrates, proteins and fats affect our insulin response?
2. How does insulin relate to hunger?
3. Why is "insulin resistance" compared to "carbohydtrate intollerance"?
4. Why does she suggest medication is the wrong way to approach treatment for diabetes?
5. What effect is seen when people cut carbs?
6. What % of heart attacks is caused by insulin resistance?
7. According to Sarah Hallberg, why can diabetes not be "cured"?
8. What are the "3 rules for Eating" suggested by this Ted Talk?

Exploring Diets

This video helps to shine a light on different attitudes toward what's important in changing your diet.