Comprehension
There are two types of diabetes, insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent. Between 90–95% of the estimated 13–14 million people in the United States with diabetes have non-insulin-dependent, or Type II, diabetes. Because this form of diabetes usually begins in adults over the age of 40 and is most common after the age of 55, it used to be called adult-onset diabetes. Its symptoms often develop gradually and are hard to identify at first; therefore, nearly half of all people with diabetes do not know they have it. For instance, someone who has developed Type II diabetes may feel tired or ill without knowing why. This can be particularly dangerous because untreated diabetes can cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. While the causes, short-term effects, and treatments of the two types of diabetes differ, both types can cause the same long-term health problems.
Most importantly, both types affect the body's ability to use digested food for energy. Diabetes does not interfere with digestion, but it does prevent the body from using an important product of digestion, glucose (commonly known as sugar), for energy. After a meal, the normal digestive system breaks some food down into glucose. The blood carries the glucose or sugar throughout the body, causing blood glucose levels to rise. In response to this rise, the hormone insulin is released into the bloodstream and signals the body tissues to metabolize or burn the glucose for fuel, which causes blood glucose levels to return to normal. The glucose that the body does not use right away is stored in the liver, muscle, or fat.
In both types of diabetes, however, this normal process malfunctions. A gland called the pancreas, found just behind the stomach, makes insulin. In people with insulin-dependent diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin at all. This condition usually begins in childhood and is known as Type I (formerly called juvenile-onset) diabetes. These patients must have daily insulin injections to survive. People with non-insulin-dependent diabetes usually produce some insulin in their pancreas, but their body tissues do not respond well to the insulin signal and, therefore, do not metabolize the glucose properly, a condition known as insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is an important factor in non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and scientists are searching for the causes of insulin resistance. They have identified two possibilities. The first is that there could be a defect in the insulin receptors on cells. Like an appliance that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet, insulin has to bind to a receptor in order to function. Several things can go wrong with receptors. For example, there may not be enough receptors to which insulin may bind, or a defect in the receptors may prevent insulin from binding. The second possible cause of insulin resistance is that, although insulin may bind to the receptors, the cells do not read the signal to metabolize the glucose. Scientists continue to study these cells to see why this might happen.
There's no cure for diabetes yet. However, there are ways to alleviate its symptoms. The National Institute of Health panel of experts recommended that the best treatment for non-insulin-dependent diabetes is a diet that helps one maintain a normal weight and pays particular attention to a proper balance of the different food groups. Many experts, including those in the American Diabetes Association, recommend that 50–60% of daily calories come from carbohydrates, 12–20% from protein, and no more than 30% from fat. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates, like breads, cereals, fruits, and vegetables, break down into glucose during digestion, causing blood glucose to rise. Additionally, studies have shown that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than raw, unpeeled foods. A doctor or nutritionist should always be consulted for more of this kind of information and for help in planning a diet to offset the effects of this form of diabetes.
Question: 1

According to the passage, what may be the most dangerous aspect of Type II diabetes?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Insulin shots are needed daily for treatment of Type II diabetes
  • Type II diabetes may go undetected and, therefore, untreated
  • In Type II diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin
  • Type II diabetes interferes with digestion
  • There is no medicine for Type II diabetes
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (B):
Type II diabetes may go undetected and, therefore, untreated

The correct answer is "Type II diabetes may go undetected and, therefore, untreated." This is the most dangerous aspect because if a disease like Type II diabetes is not discovered and treated, it can lead to serious health complications over time. These complications could include heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, and vision loss. The other options describe aspects of Type II diabetes or its treatment, but they don't highlight the core danger of the disease going unnoticed and thus unmanaged. The fact that it can be asymptomatic (without symptoms) for a long time makes this a particularly dangerous situation.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 2

Which of the following are the same for Type I and Type II diabetes?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Treatments
  • Long-term health risks
  • Short-term effects
  • Causes
  • Side effects
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (B):
Long-term health risks

The correct answer is long-term health risks. Both Type I and Type II diabetes, if poorly managed, can lead to similar long-term complications. These complications arise from consistently elevated blood sugar levels damaging various organs and systems over time.

While the causes of Type I and Type II diabetes are different (Type I is an autoimmune disease, while Type II often involves insulin resistance and lifestyle factors), and their short-term effects, treatments, and side effects of those treatments can vary, the long-term consequences are often quite similar. These include risks such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and foot problems. Because both types involve a chronic elevation of blood sugar, these long-term risks are shared.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 3

According to the passage, the organ in which excess glucose is stored is the

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Stomach
  • Insulin receptors
  • Pancreas
  • Liver
  • Heart
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (D):
Liver

The correct answer is Liver. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. When blood glucose (sugar) levels are high, as is the case after a meal, the liver takes up excess glucose from the bloodstream. This glucose is then converted into glycogen, a storage form of glucose. Glycogen is stored in the liver and can be broken down back into glucose when the body needs it, such as between meals or during exercise. Therefore, the liver acts as a glucose storage site.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 4

Which of the following statements best summarizes the main theme of the passage?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Type I and Type II diabetes are best treated by maintaining a high-protein diet
  • Type I and Type II diabetes are distinct conditions that can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet
  • Type I diabetes is an insidious condition most harmful when the patient is not taking daily insulin injections
  • Adults who suspect they may have Type II diabetes should immediately adopt a high-carbohydrate diet
  • Type I and Type II diabetes are best treated by maintaining a high-carbohydrate diet
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (B):
Type I and Type II diabetes are distinct conditions that can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet

The correct answer, "Type I and Type II diabetes are distinct conditions that can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet," is the most comprehensive and accurate summary of the main theme for several reasons.

Firstly, it acknowledges the core distinction between the two types of diabetes. This understanding is fundamental because Type I and Type II diabetes, while sharing a name and some symptoms, have different underlying causes and often require different management strategies.

Secondly, it highlights the general applicability of a healthy diet in managing both conditions. While specific dietary needs might vary between individuals and diabetes types, the underlying principle of healthy eating (balanced nutrition, portion control, and minimizing processed foods) is crucial for blood sugar control and overall well-being in both cases.

Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:

* "Type I and Type II diabetes are best treated by maintaining a high-protein diet" and "Type I and Type II diabetes are best treated by maintaining a high-carbohydrate diet" are both too specific and potentially misleading. While the balance of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) is important, there isn't a single dietary approach that universally works best for all people with diabetes. These options oversimplify dietary recommendations and could be dangerous if followed without professional guidance.

* "Type I diabetes is an insidious condition most harmful when the patient is not taking daily insulin injections" is partially correct concerning the seriousness of Type I diabetes but focuses excessively on one aspect (insulin injections) and doesn't address the broader themes of the management of both types of diabetes. Additionally, it does not explicitly mention Type II diabetes.

* "Adults who suspect they may have Type II diabetes should immediately adopt a high-carbohydrate diet" is incorrect and potentially dangerous. High-carbohydrate diets are often not recommended, especially initially, for those with or suspected of having Type II diabetes, as it can worsen blood sugar control. This option is not a safe or responsible recommendation.

In summary, the correct answer accurately represents the core understanding that Type I and Type II diabetes are different conditions that can be managed, in part, through a general, health-conscious dietary approach.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 5

Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a possible problem with insulin receptors in insulin-resistant individuals?

Updated On: Mar 23, 2026
  • Overeating causes the receptors to function improperly
  • There may be an overabundance of receptors present
  • A defect causes the receptors to metabolize glucose
  • A defect hinders the receptors from binding with insulin
  • Excessive thirst
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (D):
A defect hinders the receptors from binding with insulin

The correct answer is "A defect hinders the receptors from binding with insulin." Insulin resistance, by definition, is a decreased responsiveness to insulin. This means the cells are not able to effectively use the insulin that is available. For insulin to work, it must first bind to its receptor on the cell's surface. A defect that prevents or impairs this binding process is a direct cause of insulin resistance. The other options are incorrect because: "Overeating causes the receptors to function improperly" relates more to lifestyle contributing to the development of insulin resistance, not a specific receptor defect. "There may be an overabundance of receptors present" is the opposite of the problem; there are not enough receptors that are working correctly. "A defect causes the receptors to metabolize glucose" is incorrect; the receptors are not responsible for metabolizing glucose, they bind insulin. "Excessive thirst" is a symptom of high blood sugar (diabetes) and not a problem with the insulin receptor itself.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 6

According to the passage, in normal individuals, which of the following processes occur immediately after the digestive system converts some food into glucose?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • The glucose is metabolized by body tissues
  • Insulin is released into the bloodstream
  • Blood sugar levels rise
  • Excess urination
  • The pancreas manufactures decreased amounts of insulin
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (C):
Blood sugar levels rise

The correct answer is "Blood sugar levels rise."

Here's why:

The passage describes the sequential process of food digestion and glucose utilization. When the digestive system breaks down food, one of the key resulting products is glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar, and its absorption into the bloodstream directly increases the concentration of glucose in the blood. This increase in blood glucose concentration is what we refer to as blood sugar rising. Other processes, like insulin release, are a response to this rise, not the immediate consequence of glucose formation. Metabolism by tissues also occurs after glucose is present in the bloodstream and is available for uptake. Therefore, the most immediate consequence of glucose production from food is an increase in blood sugar levels.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 7

Based on the information in the passage, which of the following best describes people with Type I diabetes?

Updated On: Mar 20, 2026
  • They do not need to be treated with injections of insulin
  • They comprise the majority of people with diabetes
  • Their pancreas do not produce insulin
  • They are usually diagnosed as adults
  • This form of diabetes usually begins in adults over the age of 40 and is most common after the age of 55
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (C):
Their pancreas do not produce insulin

The correct answer is "Their pancreas do not produce insulin." This is because Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. Without these cells producing insulin, the body cannot effectively manage blood glucose, which is the hallmark of diabetes.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 8

What is the closest meaning of the word offset in the passage?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Counteract
  • Relieve
  • Soothe
  • Erase
  • Disprove
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (A):
Counteract

The word "offset" generally means to counteract or balance something. Think of it like a weight scale: if something is pushing down on one side, you might add something else to the other side to "offset" the initial weight and bring the scale back to balance.

Considering the options, "Counteract" aligns perfectly with this meaning. It suggests that something is being done to negate or mitigate the effect of something else. The other options, "Relieve," "Soothe," "Erase," and "Disprove," don't capture the idea of balancing or neutralizing something. "Relieve" suggests easing a burden, "Soothe" implies calming or pacifying, "Erase" means to remove completely, and "Disprove" means to show something is false. Therefore, "Counteract" is the closest in meaning.
Was this answer helpful?
0

Top Questions on Reading Comprehension

Questions Asked in IBSAT exam

Although cynics may like to see the government’s policy for women in terms of the party’s internal power struggles, it will nevertheless be churlish to deny that it represents a pioneering effort aimed at bringing about sweeping social reforms. In its language, scope and strategies, the policy document displays a degree of understanding of women’s needs that is uncommon in government pronouncements. This is due in large part to the participatory process that marked its formulation, seeking the active involvement right from the start of women’s groups, academic institutions and non-government organizations with grass roots experience.
The result is not just a lofty declaration of principles but a blueprint for a practical programme of action. The policy delineates a series of concrete measures to accord women a decision-making role in the political domain and greater control over their economic status. Of especially far-reaching impact are the devolution of control of economic infrastructure to women, notably at the gram panchayat level, and the amendments proposed in the Hindu Succession Act of 1956 to give women coparcenary rights.
 An enlightened aspect of the policy is its recognition that actual change in the status of women cannot be brought about by the mere enactment of socially progressive legislation. Accordingly, it focuses on reorienting development programmes and sensitizing administrations to address specific situations as, for instance, the growing number of households headed by women, which is a consequence of rural-urban migration. The proposal to create an equal-opportunity police force and give women greater control of police stations is an acknowledgement of the biases and callousness displayed by the generally all-male lawenforcement authorities in cases of dowry and domestic violence. While the mere enunciation of such a policy has the salutary effect of sensitizing the administration as a whole, it does not make the task of its implementation any easier. 
This is because the changes it envisages in the political and economic status of women strike at the root of power structures in society and the basis of man woman relationships. There is also the danger that reservation for women in public life, while necessary for their greater visibility, could lapse into tokenism or become a tool in the hands of vote seeking politicians. Much will depend on the dissemination of the policy and the ability of elected representatives and government agencies to reorder their priorities.
  • IBSAT
  • Reading Comprehension
View Solution
Generally, people experience stress in their day-to-day lives, but more than thirty million Americans suffer from something more intense than that. Anxiety disorders are the second-most-common mental health problem in the country, and they can be paralyzing. Sometimes, day-to-day stress and anxiety are hard to tell apart, but the easiest way to distinguish them is that stress is brought on by actual events, and then dissipates, whereas anxiety is a more pervasive worry, that often attaches itself to specific areas of your life, like your relationship, job or health, says psychologist Terry Mooney.
This anxiety does not dissipate, and in fact, it can increase to the level where it begins to change your behavior. That’s when it’s characterized as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can keep you safe, helping you recognize danger, and cope with it, says Mooney. But if you begin to see danger lurking around every corner, or worry over and over again about the same events, then you might be dealing with something more substantial, like an anxiety disorder. 
People with anxiety disorders often begin to avoid activities or circumstances that make them anxious, said John Forsyth, associate professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at Albany and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Programme at the university. People may stop driving, or stop going to parties. They may stop travelling or even avoid leaving the house. It’s this curtailing of activities that causes the suffering, Forsyth said, making you feel that ‘life is shrinking around you.’
 Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms and manifest themselves in different ways. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by ongoing worry about everyday tasks, even when there is no clear reason to worry. People with social anxiety disorder experience intense worry over social interactions, and often feel judged by people or worry that they will embarrass themselves. Post-traumatic stress disorder, which is characterized by people re-living a frightening event over and over again, is also considered an anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is when people take on obsessive rituals that help them maintain the illusion of control. Often repetitive in nature, obsessive compulsive rituals can include cleaning, checking and rechecking something, counting or endlessly reviewing conversations in their mind. Treatment is available for anxiety disorders. People can use a variety of approaches, including therapy, medication and exercise.
  • IBSAT
  • Reading Comprehension
View Solution
I am the family face; flesh perishes. I live on, projecting trait and trace through time to times anon, and leaping from place to place over oblivion.
So wrote Thomas Hardy in his poem, Heredity, describing direct descent of life from one generation to the next. Indeed, the poem reflects the DNA in our genome. Dr.Drew Endy of MIT quoted this when he described how people at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) bypass nature’s constraint of direct descent. Scientists there have used chemistry and biochemistry to produce the first synthetic genome in the laboratory. They chemically synthesized many fragments of the DNA, encoding the 582,970-units-long genome of a bacterium called Mycoplasma genitalium. Next, they assembled these fragments in perfect order to generate the genome of the bacterium.
The DNA sequence of the synthetic one was confirmed to be identical to the natural one. While the DNA pieces were synthesized chemically, the stitching together was done using the biochemical machinery of a host cell. About 100 pieces of the genome, each 5000-7000 units long in DNA sequence, were first joined to produce 25 sub-assemblies, each about 24000 base pairs long. These were then introduced into the bacterium E. coli to produce sufficient DNA for the next steps. Next, they repeated the procedure to generate large fragments comprising l/4th of the whole genome of M.genitalium.
Now, they used the clever trick of exploiting the process called homologous recombination. This is a basic essential process in every cell, which physically rearranges the two strands of DN The JCVI researchers inserted the synthesized DNA fragments into yeast and utilized its homologous recombination ability to generate the whole 580,000 long genome of M.genitalium in one step. 
This is clearly a landmark work that leads into the brave new world of synthesizing life itself in the laboratory. It was hardly 200 years ago when Friedrich Wohler synthesized urea, an organic molecule, in the chemical laboratory, thus throwing out the notion of ‘vital forces’ involved in the components of living organisms. What is the next step, making life itself in the lab, bypassing nature? With single cell organisms like M.genitalium, it might not be far away. It is now possible in the lab to do so, by inserting the genome into a ‘host’ cell and asking the latter to make the bacterium of your choice. If only we find a way to insert the bacterial genome into this proto-cell, and somehow trigger it to make the bacterium itself! We would have chemically created life in the la This is not a pipedream; JCVI scientists are already on the job, and my bet is they will do it within a few years. 
This surely raises ethical questions, a matter that JCVI is keenly aware of and is already engaged in with ethicists. Even their present work on M.genitalium was done with prior approval of ethical experts. But then, today it is M.genitalium, tomorrow it could be a more advanced, multi-cellular organism, and that could flummox even the ethicist. Assisted reproduction, which is the other side of the coin and truly a recently initiated technology, has become ethically and morally acceptable. Cloning of Dolly, the sheep, has not raised any outrage, but cloning a human certainly does.
  • IBSAT
  • Reading Comprehension
View Solution