Endocrine

Question 1

What are the principal actions of insulin? What are the effects of insulin deficiency?

Answer 1

1. Insulin is an anabolic hormone promotes storage of carbohydrates, fat and proteins
   - Rapid (seconds): Increase uptake of glucose and K+ into insulin-sensitive cells
   - Intermediate (minutes): Increase protein synthesis and reduce degradation
   - Delayed (hours): Increase mRNA for lipogenic and enzyme synthesis
2. Insulin deficiency causes
   - Reduced peripheral utilisation of glucose leading to hyperglycaemia and low intracellular glucose
   - Causes secondary osmotic diuresis leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
   - Ketoacidosis can occur due to increased catabolism of proteins and fats to produce energy due to low intracellular glucose