Explain how chronic stress can affect the endocrine system's ability to regulate blood glucose levels. (4 marks)
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- Chronic stress causes prolonged elevation of cortisol from the adrenal glands.
- This leads to increased blood glucose through gluconeogenesis in the liver.
- The liver converts non-carbohydrate sources into glucose continuously, raising blood glucose levels.
- Therefore, normal glucose regulation becomes disrupted.
- Elevated cortisol results in reduced insulin sensitivity in body cells.
- The reason for this is cells become less responsive to insulin signals, preventing glucose uptake.
- Consequently, blood glucose remains high as cells cannot absorb it effectively.
- Evidence shows how stress hormones interfere with glucose control mechanisms.
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Sample Answer
- Chronic stress causes prolonged elevation of cortisol from the adrenal glands.
- This leads to increased blood glucose through gluconeogenesis in the liver.
- The liver converts non-carbohydrate sources into glucose continuously, raising blood glucose levels.
- Therefore, normal glucose regulation becomes disrupted.
- Elevated cortisol results in reduced insulin sensitivity in body cells.
- The reason for this is cells become less responsive to insulin signals, preventing glucose uptake.
- Consequently, blood glucose remains high as cells cannot absorb it effectively.
- Evidence shows how stress hormones interfere with glucose control mechanisms.