Insulin and ketones

Question 1

Which hormones increase in blood as a result of starvation?

Answer 1

Ghrelin - increases appetite
Cortisol - stimulate gluconeogenesis
Glucagon - increases blood glucose

Question 2

How do ruminants generate glucose?

Answer 2

Glycerol, lactic acid, proprionate and AAs (byproducts of fermentation in rumen) converted to glucose via gluconeogenesis

Question 3

why are ruminants particularly susceptible to ketosis?

Answer 3

Bacteria within rumen consume all glucose from feed
Less glucose = less oxaloacetate
Less oxaloacetate => less can react with Acetyl CoA => acetyl CoA is diverted into ketone production

Question 4

Why does obesity make ketosis worse?

Answer 4

Obesity leads to insulin resistance => increased lipolysis/increased activity hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) => increased fatty acids => increased oxidation of excess fatty acids => ketone bodies

Question 5

What the the 3 ketones?

Answer 5

acetoacetate
beta hydroxybutyrate
Acetone (removed via resp tract)

Question 6

Why is metabolic acidosis harmful?

Answer 6

=> disrupted enzyme function, impaired cellular function, resp fatigue, impaired organ function, bone demineralisation (used as buffer), shock, organ failure

Question 7

How does diabetes mellitus affect oxaloacetate production?

Answer 7

Increases oxaloacetate production as insulin is less effects in decreasing blood glucose levels

Question 8

Why do dogs develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Answer 8

Insulin is ineffective => hyperglycaemia + glucose cannot enter cells => lipolysis => ketone bodies => ketoacidosis

Question 9

What the clinical signs of diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs?

Answer 9

PU/PD
Lethargy and weakness
Vomiting
Anorexia due to inappetence
Sweet + fruity breath due to acetone being released via resp tract
Dehydration
Depression
Abdominal pain
Neurological signs e.g., ataxia, seizures