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
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine the most dangerous aspect of Type II diabetes according to the passage, we need to understand the key points discussed. The passage outlines various aspects of diabetes, particularly focusing on Type II diabetes.

  1. Understanding Type II Diabetes: Type II diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, often begins in adults over the age of 40 and is most common after age 55. It is characterized by the body's inability to use insulin effectively, referred to as insulin resistance.
  2. Symptoms and Detection: Symptoms of Type II diabetes develop gradually and are difficult to detect at first. This can lead to the condition going unnoticed and untreated in nearly half of those affected.
  3. Long-term Health Risks: Untreated Type II diabetes can cause significant health issues, including damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
  4. Examining the Options:
    • The first option states that insulin shots are needed daily, which is inaccurate for Type II diabetes as it usually involves insulin resistance, not complete lack of insulin production.
    • The second option mentions that Type II diabetes may go undetected and untreated, aligning with the passage's mention of gradual symptom development and the significant percentage of undiagnosed cases.
    • The third option suggests the pancreas does not produce insulin, which is characteristic of Type I diabetes, not Type II.
    • The fourth option states that Type II diabetes interferes with digestion, which is incorrect according to the passage; it interferes with glucose metabolism.
    • The last option claims there is no medicine for Type II diabetes; however, management via diet and insulin sensitivity improvement is addressed.

Conclusion: By reviewing the information in the passage, the correct answer is: Type II diabetes may go undetected and, therefore, untreated. This highlights the danger of delayed or missed diagnosis, leading to severe health complications.

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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
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To answer the question of which factors are the same for both Type I and Type II diabetes, let's examine each component mentioned in the options in light of the provided comprehension passage.

  • Treatments: The passage clearly indicates a difference in treatment methods for the two types of diabetes. Type I diabetes requires daily insulin injections, while Type II diabetes may be managed with a diet that maintains a normal weight along with other dietary modifications. Therefore, this option is not the same for both types.
  • Long-term health risks: The passage explicitly states that both types of diabetes can cause the same long-term health problems such as damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Thus, this is a factor that is the same for both Type I and Type II diabetes.
  • Short-term effects: There is no specific mention in the passage about short-term effects, indicating that these may not necessarily be the same for both types.
  • Causes: Causes differ as mentioned in the passage: Type I diabetes is due to the pancreas not producing insulin at all, whereas Type II diabetes involves insulin resistance, where the body does not respond properly to insulin. Hence, the causes are not the same for both types.
  • Side effects: The passage does not explicitly mention side effects, and given the differences in treatments and causes, the side effects are likely not identical for both types.

Based on the comprehension passage, the correct answer is that the long-term health risks are the same for both Type I and Type II diabetes.

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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
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question requires us to determine which organ stores excess glucose according to the passage provided.

Reading through the passage, we find the following relevant information related to the question:

The passage mentions: "The glucose that the body does not use right away is stored in the liver, muscle, or fat."

Therefore, according to the passage, excess glucose is primarily stored in the liver, although it may also be stored in muscles or fat. Among the options provided, only Liver matches this description.

Let's evaluate the options given:

  • Stomach: The stomach is part of the digestive system and not involved in the storage of glucose.
  • Insulin receptors: Insulin receptors are part of the cell mechanism for responding to insulin, not an organ for storage.
  • Pancreas: The pancreas is a gland responsible for producing insulin but does not store glucose.
  • Liver: As explained in the passage, the liver is indeed one of the organs where excess glucose is stored.
  • Heart: The heart is not involved in glucose storage.

Based on the above evaluation, the correct option according to the passage is the Liver.

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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
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The given passage discusses the two types of diabetes: insulin-dependent (Type I) and non-insulin-dependent (Type II). The main focus of the passage is on distinguishing these two types and managing them through dietary efforts to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term health issues. 

Let's analyze the options one by one:

  1. Type I and Type II diabetes are best treated by maintaining a high-protein diet.
    • This option is not mentioned in the passage. In fact, the passage suggests a balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins, and fats but not specifically high-protein.
  2. Type I and Type II diabetes are distinct conditions that can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet.
    • This statement accurately summarizes the main theme of the passage as it details the distinctions between the two types and emphasizes dietary management for both.
  3. Type I diabetes is an insidious condition most harmful when the patient is not taking daily insulin injections.
    • Although true, this does not capture the overall theme of the passage, which also discusses Type II diabetes and dietary management.
  4. Adults who suspect they may have Type II diabetes should immediately adopt a high-carbohydrate diet.
    • This is incorrect because the passage recommends a balanced intake of carbohydrates, not specifically a high-carbohydrate diet.
  5. Type I and Type II diabetes are best treated by maintaining a high-carbohydrate diet.
    • Similar to the first option, the passage suggests a balanced approach to diet, not necessarily high-carbohydrate.

Thus, the correct answer is: Type I and Type II diabetes are distinct conditions that can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet.

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Question: 5

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

Updated On: Jan 13, 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
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To determine the answer to the given question about insulin-resistant individuals, we need to analyze the information provided in the passage and the options given. The focus is on what is mentioned as a possible problem with insulin receptors in insulin-resistant individuals.

  1. The passage explains that insulin resistance is a significant factor in non-insulin-dependent diabetes (Type II). It mentions that scientists have identified potential issues with insulin receptors, one of which is a defect in the insulin receptors that prevents insulin from binding properly.
  2. The options provided are:
    • 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
  3. The correct option, as indicated, is "A defect hinders the receptors from binding with insulin.". This directly correlates with the passage where it states, "a defect in the receptors may prevent insulin from binding."
  4. Let's analyze why this is the right choice:
    • The passage specifically mentions a defect in the receptors as a possible reason for insulin resistance, preventing insulin from binding.
    • Other options like overeating or overabundance of receptors are not mentioned in the context of the passage.
    • The option "A defect causes the receptors to metabolize glucose" is incorrect because the defect mentioned is about binding, not metabolism.
    • Excessive thirst is a symptom of high blood sugar levels in diabetes but not a problem with insulin receptors.

Therefore, the correct answer, clearly matched by the details provided in the passage, is: "A defect hinders the receptors from binding with insulin."

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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
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The question asks what happens immediately after the digestive system converts some food into glucose in normal individuals. To answer this, we must refer to the passage, which outlines the normal metabolic process.

  1. According to the passage, when the digestive system breaks down food into glucose, this glucose enters the bloodstream. As a result, blood\ sugar\ levels\ rise.
  2. This rise in blood sugar levels occurs before any other processes such as insulin release or glucose metabolism by tissues.
  3. Therefore, the immediate effect of glucose entering the bloodstream is a rise in blood sugar levels. This is explicitly mentioned in the passage: "The blood carries the glucose or sugar throughout the body, causing blood glucose levels to rise."

Next, let's consider why other options are incorrect:

  • "The glucose is metabolized by body tissues": This occurs only after insulin signals body tissues to utilize the glucose, which happens after the initial rise in blood glucose levels.
  • "Insulin is released into the bloodstream": Insulin release happens in response to the rise in blood glucose levels, making it a subsequent step, not an immediate one.
  • "Excess urination" and "The pancreas manufactures decreased amounts of insulin": These are not mentioned as immediate outcomes following the digestion of glucose in normal individuals. They are more related to diabetes-related conditions rather than normal metabolic processes.

Thus, the correct answer is: Blood sugar levels rise.

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Question: 7

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

Updated On: Jan 13, 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
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine which option best describes people with Type I diabetes, we need to analyze the comprehension passage provided.

The passage explains two types of diabetes:

  1. Type I Diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes): In this type, "the pancreas does not produce insulin at all." This occurs in childhood, requiring daily insulin injections.
  2. Type II Diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes): The pancreas produces some insulin, but the body tissues do not respond properly, leading to insulin resistance.

We need to match this explanation with the provided options. Let's evaluate each option:

  • They do not need to be treated with injections of insulin
    : This is incorrect because Type I diabetes requires daily insulin injections for survival.
  • They comprise the majority of people with diabetes
    : The passage states that 90–95% of people with diabetes have Type II, not Type I.
  • Their pancreas do not produce insulin
    : This aligns with the passage that explicitly states in Type I, "the pancreas does not produce insulin at all." Thus, this is the correct description.
  • They are usually diagnosed as adults
    : This is incorrect for Type I as it usually begins in childhood.
  • This form of diabetes usually begins in adults over the age of 40 and is most common after the age of 55
    : This describes Type II diabetes, not Type I.

Based on the analysis, the correct answer is: Their pancreas do not produce insulin.

This option correctly highlights the main characteristic of Type I diabetes as stated in the passage.

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Question: 8

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

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Counteract
  • Relieve
  • Soothe
  • Erase
  • Disprove
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To understand the closest meaning of the word "offset" in the passage, it is important to comprehend its context within the text. The passage discusses diabetes and specifically mentions strategies to manage its symptoms. A key excerpt from the passage is:

"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."

Here, the word "offset" suggests taking measures to counterbalance or diminish the effects of diabetes. Given this context, let's evaluate the provided options:

  1. Counteract: This means to act against something in order to reduce its force or neutralize it. In the context of the passage, planning a diet would indeed help to counteract or neutralize the effects of diabetes, making this the most appropriate meaning.
  2. Relieve: Means to reduce pain or stress. While related, it doesn't fully capture the notion of negating effects as "counteract" does.
  3. Soothe: Implies calming or easing discomfort. This term is more applicable to reducing discomfort rather than negating an effect.
  4. Erase: Implies removing completely. In the context of diabetes management, you cannot completely remove the effects, only manage or reduce them.
  5. Disprove: Means to show something is false. This is unrelated in this context, as there is no aspect of proving or disproving involved.

Upon analysis, the word that best fits the context from the options provided is Counteract. It aligns well with the concept of taking dietary measures to reduce or neutralize the adverse effects of diabetes.

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