6E // failure of homeostasis

diabetes

• the body cannot maintain normal levels of glucose in the blood

• insulin is no longer produced, not produced in sufficient amounts, or is not responded to by cells

• not turned into energy, stays in bloodstream

type 1 diabetes

• insulin-dependent diabetes

• pancrease stops insulin production as the beta cells of the pancreas have been destroyed by the body’s immune system

• managed by insulin injections several times a day / insulin pump

• contributed by genetics and some viruses

type 2 diabetes

• body becomes resistant to normal effects of insulin, gradually loses the ability to produce enough insulin in the pancreas

• strong genetic / family related risk factors, associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors

gestational diabetes

form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy

• placenta produces hormones that help baby grow and develop

• hormones block action of woman’s insulin

  • insulin resistance

hyperglycaemia

condition in which blood sugar level is higher than the normal range

• too little / can’t use insulin properly

hypoglycaemia

glucose levels are too low

diabetic ketoacidosis

when body cannot use glucose for energy production

• metabolise fat for energy production

produces acid called ketones

ketones = high concentrations, blood = more acidic = ketoacidosis

symptom = fruity breath