Homeostasis Lab

In a previous post, we discussed homeostasis and how it functions. The next question to ask is: how can we prove homeostasis occurs with changes to our internal/external environment? To answer this question, our group designed a lab in which our blood glucose levels were measured as we altered our diets.

For the first part of our lab, each member in our group fasted, eating nothing and drinking only water for 24 hours. We measured our blood glucose levels before, during, and after the fast. Considering the aspects of the experiment, it was hypothesized that our blood glucose levels would decrease. This was then supported through the experimental results, which are illustrated below. 

 

As you can see, the blood glucose levels decreased during the 24 hours. In the first graph there is an increase in glucose levels after the 24 hours, which occurred due to the fact that the subject took their blood after eating when the fast ended, where the other subjects did not.These readings were very interesting, as a hypoglycemic and vegan were tested within the experiment. Overall, this experiment was successful in proving homeostasis.

The second part of the lab involved one member of our group eating nothing but sugar-based foods for 24 hours, again measuring their blood glucose levels before, during, and after the 24 hours. For this part of the experiment, it was hypothesized that the blood glucose levels would increase over the 24 hours. The results are shown below.

As you can see, the glucose levels increased over the 24 hours, from 102 mg/dL to 118 mg/dL, again successfully proving homeostasis.