March 24

Diabetes Overview

• Very prevalent condition, often known someone who has diabetes or is prediabetic.
• Reasons for prevalence include lifestyle factors, genetics, etc.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes:
• Insulin-dependent.
• Results from the body’s immune system destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
• Person requires external insulin to manage blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 Diabetes:
• Insulin-independent.
• The body produces insulin but cannot use it efficiently.
• Often linked to lifestyle factors and can be managed through diet and exercise.

Causes of Diabetes

• Type 1 often caused by genetic predisposition and autoimmune responses.
• Type 2 can stem from obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diet.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• Presence of glucose in urine due to inability of kidneys to reabsorb glucose when levels are too high.

Diabetes Management

• Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing Type 2 diabetes.
• Importance of regular exercise and a balanced diet to help maintain blood sugar levels.

Complications of Poorly Managed Diabetes

• Risk of ketoacidosis, especially in Type 1, where fat is used for energy and builds up byproducts (ketones) that can be toxic.
• Watch for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia as high or low blood sugar can lead to serious complications.

Kidneys and Diabetes

• Understanding of nephron function is critical in diabetes.
• With too much glucose in blood, filtration mechanisms are overwhelmed and glucose spills into urine.
• Consequent osmotic pressure changes lead to dehydration.

Hormonal Regulation

• The adrenal glands release hormones that regulate critical body functions:
• Cortisol: Increases glucose production in stress situations.
• Aldosterone: Regulates sodium and potassium levels which affect blood pressure.

Immune System Basics

• Overview of innate (non-specific) vs adaptive (specific) immune responses.
• First Line of Defense: Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes.
• Second Line of Defense: Involves white blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages that respond non-specifically to invaders.
• Adaptive Immune Response: Involves T and B cells that target specific pathogens.
• T cells: Require direct contact with pathogens.
• B cells: Produce antibodies without direct contact.

Role of Cytokines in Immune Response

• Signaling molecules that facilitate communication between immune cells.
• Trigger responses such as inflammation and fever, which help combat infections.

Understanding Fever and Inflammation

• Fever limits bacterial growth by creating an unfavorable environment for pathogens.
• Inflammation serves as an initial response to injury or infection, allowing for increased immune cell access to the affected area.

Key Takeaways on Immune Cell Types

• Neutrophils: First responders to infection; short-lived after phagocytosis.
• Macrophages: Longer-lasting, effective at ingesting multiple pathogens.
• Natural Killer Cells: Survey the body for abnormalities and respond to infected or cancerous cells.
• Eosinophils and Basophils: Involved in parasitic infections and allergic responses, respectively.

Pathogen Recognition

• Immune system distinguishes between self and non-self through specific surface receptors on immune cells.
• Antigen presenting cells (APCs) play a crucial role in triggering T cell responses by presenting pathogens’ antigens.

Final Thoughts

• Importance of understanding hormones, diabetes, and the immune system for overall health management.
• Preparation for deeper exploration of specific immune responses and endocrine functions in future discussions.