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

In terms of glucose regulation, what can happen if blood glucose levels remain consistently high?

1. It may lead to kidney damage

2. It will decrease muscle mass

3. It promotes increased energy levels

4. It causes rapid weight gain

The correct answer is: It may lead to kidney damage

When blood glucose levels remain consistently high, a condition known as hyperglycemia occurs, which can lead to various complications, one of which is kidney damage. This happens because elevated glucose levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a reduction in their ability to filter waste effectively. Over time, this can result in diabetic nephropathy, a serious complication that can affect kidney function and may ultimately lead to kidney failure if not managed properly. While other options discuss different aspects of health, they do not specifically address the direct consequences of consistently elevated blood glucose levels. Increased energy levels, for instance, are not an accurate consequence of prolonged hyperglycemia, as the body actually struggles to utilize glucose effectively for energy due to insulin resistance. Similarly, rapid weight gain may occur in certain contexts but does not specifically point to the damage caused by high blood glucose levels over time, nor does it capture the renal implications. Therefore, kidney damage is the most direct and serious consequence associated with prolonged high blood glucose levels.