Type 2 Diabetes Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is type 2 diabetes
A condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin
What is the difference between T1 and T2 diabetes
In T1 the bodys immune system attacks the beta cells impairing insulin production. In T2 the body develops resistance to insulin despite adequate production or the body is unable to produce enough insulin.
What is insulin resistance
When muscle fat and liver cells no longer respond to insulin
What is GLUT4
A transporter protein in muscle and fat cells that moves glucose from the blood to the cells
How does GLUT4 work
Insulin binds to the GLUT4 receptor, signalling GLUT4 to move to the cell surface to allow glucose into the cell
What is GLUT4 dysfunction
When the GLUT4 transporter isn’t working properly, impairing glucose uptake
What does the pancreas do in early stages of T2DM
The pancreas will produce more insulin to try lower glucose levels. Eventually the pancreas can’t keep up and insulin levels drop
How does T2 cause polyuria
Excess glucose enters the urine, causing an osmotic imbalance drawing in more fluid resulting in frequent urination
How does T2 cause polydipsia
Fluid loss from excess urination increases blood osmolality → hypothalamus detects it → activates thirst center → causes polydipsia (increased thirst)
How does T2 cause polyphagia
Cells can’t get enough glucose → leads to cellular starvation → body signals increased hunger (polyphagia) to get more energy.
How does high BSL affect small blood vessels
The inner lining of small blood vessels will become damaged resulting in retinopathy (eyes), nephropathy (kidneys) and nerves (neuropathy)
How does high BSL affect large blood vessels
The inner linign of large blood vessels can become damaged, making it easier for plaque to build up which can cause atherosclerosis
What is atherosclerosis
A condition where plaque builds up in the arteries causing them to become narrower and stiffer
Why would someone need exogenous insulin
If the pancreas is no longer able to produce any insulin, insulin is injected externally
What is metformin
An oral treatment used for type 2 diabetes
How deos metformin improve insulin sensitivity
Activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which makes cells more responsive to insulin
What is hepatic glucoseneogensis
The production of glucose in the liver
How does metformin inhibit hepatic glucoseneogensis
Activation of AMPK enyme inhibits production of glucose in the liver
What are SGLT-1 transporters
A membrane protein in the small intestine that absorbs glucose into the bloodstream
How does metformin reduce intestinal glucose absorbtion
Metformin inhibits SGLT1 transporters reducing the glucose uptake
How does metformin improve glucose utilization
AMPK enzyme activated by metformin increases glucose uptake in the uscle and fat cells
What does HNNS stand for
Hyperglycaemic-Hyperosmolar-Nonketotic-State
What is HNNS
A complication of T2 diabetes where glucose levels are extremely high without the presence of ketones
How does HNNS work
As glucose levels right, the body experiences polyuria which eventually leads to severe dehydration. Ketones are also not produced due to the presence of insulin preventing fat breakdown. Without fluids or energy the body’s organs begin shutting down
