Lecture 12: Diabetes Mellitus

Question 1

what causes type 1 diabetes

Answer 1

• autoimmune destruction of beta cells on the islets of Langerhans
• sometimes follows viral infection such as measles, mumps or rubella

Question 2

signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes

Answer 2

• weight loss
• thirst
• tiredness
• polyuria with glucose and ketone bodies
• ketoacidosis
• hyperglycaemic coma

Question 3

how are ketone bodies formed

Answer 3

condensation of 2 molecules of acetyl CoA

Question 4

long term consequences of diabetes

Answer 4

• predisposition to CV disease and organ damage
• retinopathy
• nephropathy
• neuropathy

Question 5

what are the diagnostic tests for diabetes and what are the ranges

Answer 5

fasting blood glucose levels:
- 126mg/dL or 7mM and above
- on at least 2 occasions
glucose tolerance test:
- glucose remains >11.1mM at 2 hours

Question 6

what can cause impaired insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes

Answer 6

amyloid deposits reduce beta cell mass