OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is the term used when blood glucose levels are too high?

1. Hypoglycemic

2. Hyperglycemic

3. Insulin-resistant

4. Glucagonergic

The correct answer is: Hyperglycemic

When blood glucose levels are too high, the term used to describe this condition is hyperglycemic. This indicates an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, often connected to conditions such as diabetes mellitus. In a healthy individual, insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells for energy. However, when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, glucose remains elevated in the blood, leading to a state of hyperglycemia. The term hypoglycemic refers to low blood glucose levels, which is a completely different condition. Insulin-resistant refers to the body's reduced responsiveness to insulin, which can contribute to hyperglycemia but is not the term that describes the high blood sugar itself. Glucagonergic is not a standard term used in this context; glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels, but it does not represent the condition of having high glucose levels.