Diabetes

Question 1

Type 1 Diabetes

Answer 1

An absolute lack of insulin, characterised by the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells where they can not produce insulin

Usually presents in childhood or adolescence

Usually caused by autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack the pancreatic beta cells prevents them from producing insulin

Question 2

Type 2 diabetes

Answer 2

Occurs when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, or the cells are resistant to insulin being produced

Is more common and predominantly found in adults over 30yrs particularly those who are obese

Over time the beta cells of the pancreas become insulin resistant due to the increase in the production of insulin and leads to cell exhaustion and insulin secretion declines

Question 3

Islets of langerhans

Answer 3

2% of the pancreas is composed of the endocrine cells call the pancreatic islets. Aka: islets of langahans. The main hormone they secrete is glucagon and insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.

Alpha cells of the pancreas secrete glucagon. Alpha cells detect a drop of BGL and release glucagon into the blood vessels. The main active site for glucagon is the liver, which stimulates glucagon into glucose - called glycogenolysis
When the body is fasting, the liver can produce house from fat proteins - called glucogeogenisis

Beta cells secrete insulin.
After eating carbohydrates, BGL then increases and is detected by the beta cells and respond by releasing insulin.

Insulin behaves like a key, allowing insulin to pass through to the cells decreasing BGL.

Anything that is not used is sties on the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen - called glycogenisis