Blood glucose control 2 Flashcards
What is the full name of the disease diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus
Describe how the pancreas is involved in the regulation of blood glucose.
The beta cells in the islets of Langerhans detect a rise in blood glucose and secrete insulin directly into the blood plasma. The alpha cells detect a fall in the blood glucose and secrete glucagon directly into the blood plasma.
Describe the role of adrenaline in regulating blood glucose.
Adrenaline is released in times of excitement or stress and uses the second messenger model to activate the enzyme protein kinase the catalyses the conversion of glycogen into glucose in the liver cells (glycogenolysis). It is NOT involved in normal blood glucose control/negative feedback.
Describe the cause of type 1 diabetes.
The pancreas is unable to make insulin, so cannot reduce blood glucose levels after a meal. It can be caused by autoimmune destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas.
Describe the cause of type 2 diabetes.
The glycoprotein receptors on cell surface membranes are either absent or are not responsive to insulin. It is caused by obesity, poor diet and little exercise.
Why does insulin need to be injected in type one diabetes?
It is a protein that will be digested in the ileum before it is absorbed, so will not be able to cause a response.
Why is insulin not injected in type 2 diabetes?
The pancreas is still producing insulin, the receptors on cells are less sensitive to the insulin. It is usually controlled by diet and exercise.
How can type 1 diabetics control their blood glucose levels?
Through the monitoring of blood glucose levels, the injection of insulin, and a controlled low sugar diet.
Why type of diabetes is early onset (usually in childhood)
Type 1-it is a lifelong condition.
