Endocrine System and Diabetes Review

Flashcards for reviewing the endocrine system, diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), hyper/hypoglycemia, hyper/hypothyroidism, and recombinant DNA technology.

What are the main structures of the endocrine system?

Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, Parathyroid Gland, Thyroid gland, Adrenal Gland, and Pancreas

What is the cause of diabetes mellitus?

The body can’t make insulin, enough insulin or is not effectively using the insulin it does make, leading to too much glucose in the blood.

Which gland and hormones are involved in regulating blood sugar levels?

Gland: Pancreas. Hormones: Insulin and Glucagon

How does insulin affect blood glucose levels?

Lowers blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to cross cell membrane and by liver and skeletal muscles cells converting glucose into glycogen (glycogenesis).

How does glucagon affect blood glucose levels?

Increases glucose levels in blood by breaking down glycogen and fats into glucose (glycogenolysis).

What is a potential long-term effect of high blood sugar levels on limbs?

Can lead to the amputation of limbs, especially in the legs and feet, due to peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

What characterizes Type 1 Diabetes?

It is an autoimmune disorder where the body destroys beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in no insulin production.

What are the typical characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes?

The body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin.

What are some preventative measures for Type 2 Diabetes?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and physical activity.

What are some symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue, hunger, slow healing cuts, itching/skin infections, mood swings, headaches, feeling dizzy, cramps and blurred vision

What are potential treatments for diabetes?

Insulin injections and oral medications like Metformin, along with lifestyle management.

How does Metformin aid in managing Type 2 Diabetes?

It reduces insulin resistance and the amount of stored glucose released from your liver.

How does recombinant DNA technology help in producing insulin?

The gene for human insulin is inserted into the DNA of bacteria, which then produce human insulin protein.

How do restriction enzymes work in recombinant DNA technology?

Cut DNA at specific sequences of bases (recognition site), to produce either straight or staggered cuts (sticky ends).

What are future treatments being developed for diabetes?

Transplanting genetically engineered insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, and beta cell encapsulation.

Define hyperglycemia and its symptoms.

Too much glucose in the blood (above 15 mmol/L). Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Define hypoglycemia and its symptoms.

Too little glucose in the blood (below 4.0 mmol/L). Symptoms include sweating, shakiness, increased heart rate, and sudden hunger.

What is the first aid treatment for hypoglycemia?

Take 15-20 grams of quick-acting glucose (e.g., jelly beans, energy drink), and repeat after 15 minutes if no changes. Follow with a longer-acting carbohydrate snack.

What glands and hormones are involved in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?

Thyroid gland, which secretes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

How do thyroxine and triiodothyronine affect the body?

They stimulate carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, regulate basal metabolic rate, and help maintain body temperature.

What is hyperthyroidism and what are its common causes?

Occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone (overactive thyroid), speeds up metabolism, common causes include Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis and consuming excess iodine.

What is hypothyroidism and what are its common causes?

Occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone (underactive thyroid), decreases metabolism. Causes include Hashimoto's disease, surgery that removes some/all of thyroid, radiation therapy and lack of iodine in diet.

What are the typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Rapid and irregular heartbeat, weight loss, increased appetite, fatigue, sweating, anxiety, and enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

What are the typical symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Slow heart rate, unexpected weight gain, fatigue, intolerance to cold, swelling of face and goitre (enlargement of thyroid gland), brittle hair and nails, thinning hair, dry & cool skin, muscle weakness, numbness

What is the role of iodine in thyroid function and how can iodine deficiency can be prevented?

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Deficiency can be prevented by increasing iodine intake through iodized salt and supplemented foods.

Which treatments are used for hyperthyroidism?

Anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid, and beta blockers.

Which treatments are used for hypothyroidism?

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy, using a synthetic version of thyroxine (levothyroxine).