UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 109: Science and Technology
Which of the following are associated with diabetes mellitus, a common disease in adults? I. Higher sugar level in blood II. Lower sugar level in blood III. Lower insulin level in blood IV. Higher insulin level in blood Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
AnswerThe answer is (d).
In diabetes mellitus the blood sugar is high because insulin is lacking or ineffective; low insulin is the cause in the juvenile form, and the adult form involves relative insulin deficiency or resistance. Low blood sugar is not the disease; that is hypoglycaemia. Remember: diabetes - high glucose, low or ineffective insulin.
- I. Blood sugar is higher than normal.
- II. Low blood sugar is hypoglycaemia, not diabetes.
- III. Insulin is lacking or less effective.
- IV. A high insulin level is not the defining feature.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) High insulin is not the defining feature; insulin is low or ineffective.
- (b) Low blood sugar is not part of diabetes mellitus.
- (c) Low blood sugar is wrong, though low insulin is right.
- (d) Right: higher blood sugar and lower insulin.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.