Human Physiology Chapter 1 (1.3) Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus (Mellitus=sweet)

Metabolic disease that affects blood glucose levels and plasma volume and causes excessive thirst and fluid loss.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

-The pancreas contains beta cells, which make insulin, and insulin helps regulate (lower) blood glucose (blood sugar). Here, beta cells are damaged, so the pancreas does not make enough insulin. And so, blood glucose becomes too high.

-This appears at a young age.

-Accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes mellitus cases.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

-The pancreas and beta cells are still working; they make insulin.

-The body doesn't respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance).

-In this case, cells do not respond well to insulin; glucose stays in the blood, and blood glucose rises. Glucose is in the blood, but cells aren’t taking it up properly, so cells may not get the glucose they need for energy.

-Reversible through diet and lifestyle

Diabetes Insipidus

-Problem with water/plasma volume regulation

-Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is involved. It tells the kidneys to reabsorb water instead of putting so much water into the urine.

-Not enough ADH is produced/released

-The body doesn’t respond properly to it

No flavor in urine

Normal fasting plasma glucosse

60-100 mg/dL=Normal

100-125 mg/dL= pre-diabetes

125+=Diabetes

Oral glucose tolerance test

1) < than or equal to 139 mg/dL=normal

2) 140-199=pre

3) 200+=diabetes

Hemoglobin A1c

-Estimates blood glucose for 2-3 months

-Measured as a % of total hemoglobin

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus

Dehydration, fatigue, etc.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus

Diet, insulin, etc.