Question 5b (i)

Decrease in Blood Glucose:

• Blood glucose levels would likely continue to fall gradually as the body uses available glucose for energy.
• Without food intake, no additional glucose is introduced, so blood glucose would decrease as it is consumed by body cells.

2. Reduction in Insulin Levels:
   • Insulin secretion would decrease further as blood glucose levels drop.
   • Lower insulin levels help prevent excessive glucose uptake and conserve glucose for essential functions.

3. Increase in Glucagon Secretion:
   • The pancreas would release more glucagon from the alpha cells in response to falling blood glucose levels.
   • Glucagon acts to raise blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis) and glucose production (gluconeogenesis) in the liver.

4. Stabilization of Blood Glucose via Glucagon:
   • Glucagon helps maintain blood glucose at a minimum level needed for essential functions, preventing hypoglycemia.
   • Blood glucose levels would stabilize, though likely at a lower level, as glucagon maintains a balance until more food is consumed.

Summary

• Without further food intake, blood glucose would decrease, insulin would drop, glucagon would increase, and blood glucose levels would eventually stabilize at a lower level due to glucagon’s action.