20- Diabetes and Hypoglycaemia Flashcards
what are the main sources of glucose maintenance in the body?
dietary carbohydrates
glycogenolysis - breakdown of glycogen to release glucose in the liver
gluconeogenesis - production of glucose from non-glucose sources in the liver
define gluconeogenesis
production of glucose from non-glucose sources in the liver, such as lactate, alanine, and fatty acids
describe the regulation of blood glucose levels in a fed state
food breakdown increases blood glucose levels, detected by the pancreas
insulin released from pancreatic beta cells which:
- increases glucose uptake into tissues, especially muscle and adipose tissue
- converts some glucose into glycogen, stored in the liver
reduces peripheral catabolism
- prevents breakdown of glycogen and other macromolecules
these actions decrease blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the 4-6mmol range
explain the regulation of blood glucose levels in a fasting state
not eating for some time leads to a decrease in blood glucose levels, detected by the pancreas
glucagon released from pancreatic alpha cells, which:
- increases gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver = releases glucose into the blood
- induces breakdown of lipids and proteins/ lipolysis for energy
what is the function of insulin?
promotes storage of glucose, decreases blood glucose levels
promotes growth
what major metabolic actions does insulin stimulate?
increases glucose uptake into tissues – especially muscle and adipose tissue
promotes lipogenesis, inhibits lipolysis = more lipid production
converts some glucose into glycogen for storage in liver & muscle
prevents gluconeogenesis
promotes protein synthesis in the muscles
name the 4 counter-regulatory hormones for insulin
glucagon
adrenaline
cortisol
growth hormone
what is the function/functions of glucagon?
mobilises fuel
maintains BGL during fasting by increasing glucose release
what major metabolic actions does glucagon stimulate?
activates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis by the liver
activates fatty acid release = used in gluconeogenesis
what is the function of adrenaline in glucose regulation?
mobilises fuels in acute stress, part of the flight-or-fight response
what major metabolic actions does adrenaline stimulate?
stimulates glycogenolysis and fatty acid release = increases glucose
what is the function of cortisol in glucose regulation?
long-term changes to glucose levels, decreasing blood glucose
what major metabolic actions does cortisol stimulate?
amino acid mobilisation for gluconeogenesis
what is the function of growth hormone in glucose regulation?
inhibits insulin
what major metabolic actions do growth hormones stimulate?
stimulates lipolysis, production of fatty acids for gluconeogenesis
define diabetes mellitus
a metabolic disorder characterised by chromic hyperglycaemia, glycosuria and associated abnormalities in lipid and protein metabolism
can be insulin dependent (type 1) or non-insulin dependent (type 2)
list and describe the 4 classifications of diabetes mellitus?
type 1 = deficiency in insulin secretion
type 2 = insulin secretion is retained, but target organs resist its actions (insulin resistance
secondary = pancreatic health issues affecting insulin secretion (e.g., chronic pancreatitis)
gestational = occurs during pregnancy
describe the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus
predominantly in children and young adults, but can occur at any age
sudden onset within days or weeks
what is the cause, and related factors of type 1 DM?
cause: autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
related factors:
- genetic = strong link with HLA genes on chrom. 6
- environmental = viruses such as mumps and rubella, drugs, stress - can trigger beta cell destruction
explain the pathogenesis of type 1 DM
autoantigens as components of pancreatic beta cells are presented to antigen-presenting T lymphocytes = triggers an immune response
activates Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes - different pathways:
- Th1 lymphocytes can release interferon-gamma, activates macrophages which release IL-1 and TNF-alpha
- Th1 lymphocytes can release IL-2, activates autoantigen specific T-cytotoxic CD8 cells
- Th2 lymphocytes release IL-4, activates B-lymphocytes which produce islet autoantibodies
these all result in beta-cell destruction
why are infections a particular risk factor in the pathogenesis of type 1 DM?
infections can activate the immune system, triggering or accelerating beta-cell destruction
what is an autoantigen?
molecule/protein recognised by immune system as foreign to the body
in type 1 DM – autoantigens are components of pancreatic beta cells
examples of autoantigens in type 1 DM
glutamic acid decarboxylase
tyrosine-phosphatase-like molecules
islet autoantigens
components of pancreatic beta cells
what is an autoantibody?
antibody produced by immune system that targets and reacts with the body’s own tissues/ self-antigens
in type 1 DM = circulating autoantibodies formed in response to autoantigens present on the surface of pancreatic B-cells
what is the most commonly detected antibody associated with type 1 DM?
islet autoantigens
what is amylin?
a glucoregulatory peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin; works to lower BGL
how does amylin work to lower BGL?
slows gastric emptying - fewer dietary carbohydrates released into small intestine, prevents sudden increase in BGL
suppresses glucagon output from pancreatic cells