Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What causes hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients?

1. Excessive insulin levels and high blood sugar

2. Low sugar levels and insufficient food intake

3. Too high sugar levels and too low insulin levels

4. Balanced sugar and insulin levels

The correct answer is: Too high sugar levels and too low insulin levels

Hyperglycemia in diabetic patients is primarily caused by high blood sugar levels coupled with low or insufficient insulin levels in the body. In individuals with diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, the body produces little to no insulin, which is critical for facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells. Without adequate insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This condition can also occur in type 2 diabetes when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when insulin production is not sufficient to maintain normal blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels rise beyond the normal range and insulin levels are inadequate to help regulate this glucose, hyperglycemia ensues. In contrast, excessive insulin levels combined with high blood sugar would not typically lead to hyperglycemia; instead, it might result in hypoglycemia if the insulin levels are disproportionately high compared to glucose levels. Low sugar levels and insufficient food intake do not directly cause hyperglycemia; they would likely induce hypoglycemia instead. Balanced sugar and insulin levels would generally prevent hyperglycemia, making that option incorrect as well. Therefore, the condition of having too high sugar levels and too low insulin levels clearly identifies the underlying cause of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.