Type 1 and 2 diabetes (read the notes too) Flashcards
(15 cards)
What were the early treatments for diabetes before insulin became available?
Before the discovery of insulin, diabetes was considered fatal. Insulin was first extracted from the animal pancreas in 1922, making diabetes treatable.
What is Type 1 diabetes and how does it occur?
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an absolute insulin deficiency due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
How is Type 2 diabetes different from Type 1 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and insulin insufficiency, whereas Type 1 diabetes is an absolute lack of insulin due to the destruction of beta cells.
What is hyperglycemia and why is it significant in the diagnosis of diabetes?
Hyperglycemia refers to high blood glucose levels, which is a key factor in the diagnosis of diabetes.
What role does insulin play in regulating plasma glucose levels?
Insulin helps maintain plasma glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby keeping blood glucose concentrations stable despite changes in diet and activity.
How does insulin resistance affect glycaemic control in obese individuals?
In obese individuals, more insulin is needed for glycaemic control due to insulin resistance, which reduces the efficiency of insulin in lowering blood glucose levels.
What happens to plasma glucose levels when insulin resistance occurs?
When insulin resistance occurs, the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in higher plasma glucose levels and potentially leading to Type 2 diabetes.
What is the effect of insulin on glucose metabolism in both normal and obese subjects?
In both normal and obese individuals, insulin regulates plasma glucose, but obese individuals require more insulin due to their increased insulin resistance.
What are the main components involved in glucose transport into cells?
Glucose is transported into cells via sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) and glucose transporters (GLUTs), including GLUT 1, GLUT 2, GLUT 3, and GLUT 4.
What is the role of GLUT 2 in glucose metabolism?
GLUT 2 is found in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and gut. It has a low affinity for glucose, allowing glucose to equilibrate across membranes, which helps with glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreas.
Which glucose transporter is responsible for glucose uptake in the brain and erythrocytes?
GLUT 1 is responsible for glucose uptake in the brain and erythrocytes, where it has a high affinity for glucose, ensuring constant glucose supply.
What is the function of GLUT 4 in glucose metabolism?
GLUT 4 is found in muscle and adipose tissue and is recruited by insulin to facilitate the uptake of glucose into these cells.
How does the pancreas contribute to insulin regulation in the body?
The pancreas is supplied by branches of the coeliac, superior mesenteric, and splenic arteries. Insulin secretion is regulated through a portal system, with half of the insulin being metabolized by the liver upon its first pass.
What is C-peptide and why is it important for insulin secretion?
C-peptide is a byproduct of insulin secretion and serves as a more accurate indicator of insulin secretion in the peripheral circulation, as it is not metabolized by the liver like insulin.
How does the body counteract hypoglycemia in the short term?
In the short term, the body increases hepatic glucose output through the action of glucagon, adrenaline, and the sympathetic nervous system to counteract hypoglycemia.
