Outline the symptoms of type II diabetes.

Explain the dietary advice that should be given to a patient who has developed type II diabetes.

a. high blood sugar/glucose levels;

b. sugar/glucose in urine;

c. increased thirst/frequent urination;

d. hunger/weight loss/fatigue/blurred vision/slow healing/skin disorders;

a. reduce blood glucose levels as target/ body/muscle cells less sensitive toinsulin / not enough insulin produced;
b. reduce intake of (saturated) fats, to reduce weight;
c. reduce the intake of sugar/simple carbohydrates, causes rapid increase in blood glucose concentration;
d. eat more high fibre foods, satisfy appetite, but cannot be broken down;
e. regular/many small meals, to avoid (rapid) rise in glucose after a big meal;
f. eat complex carbohydrates/carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, digested and absorbed more slowly;
To award the mark, answers require dietary recommendations with a reason. Do not accept comments about increased exercise.

Candidates knew the symptoms of diabetes but very few gave explanations for the dietary advice they suggested. Many mentioned the need for exercise, which was irrelevant, and answers such as “eat less sugar and fat” were common. This question was a good discriminator for the top grades.

Candidates knew the symptoms of diabetes but very few gave explanations for the dietary advice they suggested. Many mentioned the need for exercise, which was irrelevant, and answers such as “eat less sugar and fat” were common. This question was a good discriminator for the top grades.