Trigger 6 - Diabetes and Islet Transplantation Flashcards
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic islet ______ cells.
β
True or False:
Loss of β-cells/insulin results in hypoglycemia.
False
Explain the main treatment for type 1 diabetes and its frequency.
The main treatment for type 1 diabetes is multiple daily subcutaneous insulin injections or insulin pumps. Generally, individuals may require around 6 injections a day.
What are the consequences of suboptimal blood glucose homeostasis in type 1 diabetes?
a) Respiratory issues
b) Microvascular complications
c) Joint pain
d) Skin disorders
b) Microvascular complications
Define hypoglycemia unawareness.
Hypoglycemia unawareness is a condition where individuals with diabetes are unable to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar, leading to a lack of awareness and potentially severe consequences.
True or False: Loss of 60% of islet β-cells results in decreased blood glucose concentration.
False
Explain the role of insulin pumps in managing diabetes, highlighting a potential drawback.
Insulin pumps respond to changes in blood glucose, delivering insulin when needed. However, a drawback is that individuals have to wear the technological device continuously.
Which organ in the body produces insulin?
a) Liver
b) Kidney
c) Pancreas
d) Heart
c) Pancreas
What are the Islets of Langerhans?
Islets of Langerhans are highly specialized endocrine organs that make up approximately 2% of the pancreas.
Approximately 60-80% of the cells within the islets are insulin-secreting ______ cells.
β-cells
What is the primary function of alpha cells in the Islets of Langerhans?
a) Produce insulin
b) Secrete glucagon
c) Regulate blood pressure
d) Synthesize enzymes for digestion
b) Secrete glucagon
Explain the paracrine interactions within the Islets of Langerhans.
Important paracrine interactions exist between β-cells and other endocrine non-β-cells within the islets. For example, alpha cells secrete the regulating hormone glucagon.
What role do Islet endothelial cells play in ensuring optimal β-cell function?
Islet endothelial cells play a crucial role in ensuring optimal β-cell function. They contribute to a higher blood flow to the islets, providing high oxygenation and blood supply, allowing β-cells to respond quickly to fluctuations in blood glucose.
True or False:
Approximately 90-95% of cells within the Islets of Langerhans are insulin-secreting β-cells.
False
Why is the high blood flow to the Islets of Langerhans important for their function?
a) Promotes insulin resistance
b) Enhances β-cell response to glucose
c) Increases glucagon production
d) Causes inflammation in the pancreas
b) Enhances β-cell response to glucose
Explain the transplant procedure for Clinical Human Islet Transplantation.
The transplant procedure takes place in the X-Ray department and involves minor surgery. Human islets are transplanted into the portal vein of the liver, where they are dispersed through portal vasculature and embedded in the liver. The procedure is relatively well-functioning, and individuals typically undergo it with local anesthesia, spending only a few days in the hospital.
Where are human islets transplanted in Clinical Human Islet Transplantation?
a) Spleen
b) Kidney
c) Portal vein of the liver
d) Lungs
c) Portal vein of the liver
True or False:
Clinical Human Islet Transplantation involves major surgery.
False
The catheter is inserted into the portal vein via the liver, identified using ________.
ultrasound
Highlight a significant advancement in Clinical Human Islet Transplantation achieved by a group in Canada.
A significant advancement in transplantation was achieved by a group in Canada, involving vast improvements in clinical transplantation by modifying the procedure. They outlined specific immunosuppressive measures to ensure that transplanted islets were not attacked by the body’s immune system, preventing graft rejection.
The group in Canada outlined a minimal dosage of donor islets that need to be transplanted, crucial for ensuring transplanted islets function well and survive for at least a few years to help control poor ________.
glucose
True or False:
Individuals undergoing Clinical Human Islet Transplantation may stay in the hospital for an extended period.
False
What is one advantage of insulin therapy?
a) Increased risk of hypoglycemia
b) Digitalization increasing inefficiency
c) Weight gain
d) Unhealthy weight loss
b) Digitalization increasing efficiency
True or False:
Incorrect insulin injections may lead to high blood sugar levels.
False