Diabetes Mellitus

Question 1

Pancreas function

Answer 1

Contains endocrine and exocrine cells

Exocrine function - Cells synthesize and secrete digestive enzymes which aid digestion in the small intestine

Endocrine function - Regulates blood sugar. Islets of langerhans dispersed through exocrine tissue. Contains Alpha, Beta and Delta cells.

Question 2

Alpha cell function

Answer 2

Synthesize and secrete glucagon

Question 3

Beta cell function

Answer 3

Synthesize and secrete the pro-hormone pro-insulin which is converted into insulin before being released into the circulation

Question 4

Pro-hormone

Answer 4

prohormone is a substance that is a precursor to a hormone, usually having minimal hormonal effect by itself

Question 5

Hormone

Answer 5

Hormones are chemical substances that act like messenger molecules in the body.

After being synethsised, they travel to other parts of the body where they help control how cells and organs work.

For example, insulin is a hormone that’s made by the beta cells in the pancreas.

Question 6

Cats dietary requirements

Answer 6

Obligate carnivores

Absolute requirement protein, little requirement dietary carbohydrates

Constant state of gluconeogenesis (producing glucose from dietary protein)

Question 7

Gluconeogenesis

Answer 7

Is a metabolic pathway that allows the production of glucose from other molecules.

Question 8

Cats gluconeogenesis

Answer 8

Cats are in a constant state of gluconeogenesis

As a result there is usually a less marked or absent post-prandial rise in blood glucose levels.

(However simple sugars are directly absorbed from the intestine & contribute directly to blood glucose.

Question 9

Anabolic hormone

Answer 9

The constructive metabolism of the body.

E.g. Insulin is a anabolic hormone. As well as growth hormones, testosterone and estrogen.

Question 10

Catabolic hormone

Answer 10

The destructive metabolism of the body, usually including the release of energy and breakdown of materials.

E.g. adrenaline, cortisol and glucagon

Question 11

Insulin function

Answer 11

Anabolic hormone

Question 12

Islets of Langerhans

Answer 12

Cluster of cells within the pancreas

Responsible for the production and release of hormones that regulate glucose levels.

Contain Alpha, Beta & Delta cells.

Question 13

Pancreatic Beta cells

Answer 13

Type of cell found in pancreatic islets that synthesize and secrete insulin and amylin.

Question 14

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer 14

A chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism due to relative or absolute insulin deficiency

Question 15

Occurrence in dogs

Answer 15

Middle-aged dogs

Females are affected twice as often as males

Breeds such as Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, and Beagles, but any breed can be affected

Question 16

Occurrence in cats

Answer 16

Middle-aged to older cats

Obese male cats seem to be more commonly affected
than female cats

Breeds such as Burmese, Russian Blue, Norwegian Forest Cat, Abyssinian, and Tonkinese appear predisposed

Question 17

Pathophysiology

Answer 17

many potential causes for decreased insulin production and secretion (usually they are related to destruction of islet cells);

secondary to either immune destruction or severe pancreatitis (dogs) or amyloidosis (cats).