Digestion and Metabolism: Diseases related to macronutrients

Question 1

How does diabetes affect circulation?

Answer 1

Hyperglycemia accelerates plaque build up in arteries due to accumulation of AGE products.

Question 2

How do AGE products interact with the body (circulatory system-wise)?

Answer 2

Binds to collagen in muscles, connective tissue, and arteries which stimulates inflammatory response.

Question 3

How does diabetes affect eyes?

Answer 3

Causes Cataracts as there is reduced blood to the eyes and therefore less tissue regeneration. Debris then clump and cloud eyes.
and Glaucoma as glucose is concerted into sorbitol and fructose which can’t leave the eye and eventually build up pressure in the retina, blurring vision.

Question 4

What are AGE products?

Answer 4

Advanced Glycation End products

Question 5

How does diabetes affect the peripheral nerves?

Answer 5

Fructose and sorbitol accumulate into the nerves which produces osmotic stresses on cell by drawing water into cell. Which alters the membrane potential and interferes with nerve function.

Question 6

How does diabetes affect immunity?

Answer 6

High glucose limits synthesis of a mature WBC (neutrophils)
High blood sugar also increases an immune response as bacteria like sugar

Question 7

How does diabetes affect the kidneys?

Answer 7

AGEs damage the vasculature in the kidneys which interferes with the reabsorptive processes and therefor kidneys can’t clean blood properly.
Lack of reabsorption means proteins are lost in urine.

Question 8

How is diabetes treated?

Answer 8

Diet changes to minimize spikes in blood sugar.