HSC Biology — Module 8
Diabetes — Flashcards & Quiz
Diabetes is the canonical HSC Biology Module 8 case study for how non-infectious disease arises from disrupted homeostasis. You need to distinguish Type 1 (autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells) from Type 2 (insulin resistance), explain the normal glucose feedback loop, and evaluate management strategies including insulin therapy, lifestyle intervention and emerging technologies like continuous glucose monitors.
Key Points
- Type 1 diabetes: autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells → absolute insulin deficiency. Usually diagnosed in children; requires lifelong insulin therapy.
- Type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance (cells respond poorly to insulin) + eventual β-cell dysfunction. Strongly linked to obesity, diet and lifestyle.
- Normal glucose feedback: rising glucose → β-cells release insulin → muscle/liver take up glucose → glucose falls. Falling glucose triggers glucagon from α-cells.
- Hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) causes long-term damage to kidneys, retina, nerves, and vasculature; hypoglycaemia causes immediate dizziness, confusion, coma.
- Management: Type 1 uses insulin injections (or pumps) and continuous glucose monitors; Type 2 uses diet, exercise, metformin, and later insulin if needed.
- Emerging technologies: closed-loop artificial pancreas systems, islet cell transplantation, and GLP-1 agonists (e.g. semaglutide) for Type 2.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing Type 1 (autoimmune, insulin-dependent) with Type 2 (insulin resistance, often lifestyle-related).
- Claiming diabetes is a single disease — the two types have different causes and treatments.
- Forgetting the role of the pancreas (β-cells for insulin, α-cells for glucagon).
- Missing the long-term complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease).
- Ignoring emerging technologies (continuous glucose monitors, closed-loop pumps, GLP-1 agonists).
Exam Strategy
HSC Module 8 diabetes questions ask you to describe the feedback disruption and evaluate management. Structure: (1) normal glucose feedback loop, (2) how the disease disrupts it (destruction of β-cells vs receptor resistance), (3) management options (insulin, lifestyle, medication, technology), (4) evaluation of each. Current technologies strengthen answers.
Sample Flashcards
Q1: Compare Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1: autoimmune disease — immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells. No insulin produced. Onset usually in childhood. Treated with insulin injections. Type 2: cells become resistant to insulin, and/or insufficient insulin produced. Associated with obesity, inactivity, genetics. Onset usually in adulthood. Managed with diet, exercise, medication.
Sample Quiz Questions
Q1: Type 2 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys beta cells.
Answer: FALSE
Type 1 diabetes is the autoimmune disease (destroys beta cells). Type 2 involves insulin resistance and/or insufficient insulin production, associated with lifestyle factors.
Q2: Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide.
Answer: TRUE
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type 1, accounting for about 90% of cases globally, largely driven by obesity, inactivity and aging.
Revision Tip
The Type 1/Type 2 comparison is classic flashcard territory — drill a Revizi deck with cause, onset, treatment, and prognosis for each.
Related Concepts
Last updated: March 2026 · 1 flashcards · 2 quiz questions