14.4 Diabetes and its Control Flashcards
What is hyperglycaemia?
raised blood sugar
What are common symptoms of diabetes?
-High blood glucose concentration
-Glucose present in urine
-Excessive need to urinate
-Excessive thirst
-Constant hunger
-Weight loss
-Blurred vision
-Tiredness
What is type 1 diabetes (diabetes mellitus)?
When β cells in the islets of Langerhans are unable to produce insulin
What is the cause of type 1 diabetes?
The cause is unknown but evidence suggests that it arises as a result of an autoimmune response where the body’s own immune system attacks the β cells
When does type 1 diabetes arise?
Normally begins in childhood, symptoms develop quickly
What is type 2 diabetes?
When a patient cannot effectively use insulin and control their blood sugar levels. Either because the β cells do not produce enough insulin or body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin
What is the cause of type 2 diabetes?
-The glycoprotein insulin receptor on the cell membrane does not work properly so cells lose their responsiveness to insulin and does not take up enough glucose leaving it in the blood stream
-Excess body weight, physical inactivity, high carbohydrate diet
When does type 2 diabetes arise?
-Only diagnosed after complications have already arisen
-Risk increases with age
-Normally only seen in adults but also occurring in children
What is the difference in symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes symptoms are often less severe and develop slower
Is diabetes cureable?
NO, but it can be managed and controlled successfully
What are the treatments for type 1 diabetes?
-Regualr insulin injections which increases the amount of glucose absorbed by the cells and causes glycogenesis to occur resulting in a reduction in blood glucose
-Stem cell treatment
-Pancreas transplant
What would happen if someone with type 1 diabetes injects themselves with too much or too little insulin?
Too much - hypoglycaemia, very low blood glucose concentration = unconsciousness
Too little - hyperglycaemia, very high blood glucose = unconsciousness, death
What are the treatments for type 2 diabetes?
-Regulate carbohydrate intake through diet
-Regular exercise
-Drugs that stimulate insulin production
-Ultimately, insulin injections
What are the ways of medically producing insulin?
-Originally obtained from pancreas of cows and pigs which had been slaughtered for food but this was difficult and expensive and could cause allergic reactions as it was different from human insulin.
-Now made by genetically modified bacteria
What are the advantages of using genetically modified bacteria for insulin production?
-Human insulin is produced in a pure form - it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction
-Insulin can be produced in much higher quantities
-Production cost is cheaper
-People had concerns over using animal products in humans, may be religion or ethical
