Digestive System Disorders and Diabetes

Definition: A sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
Cause: Populations of the acid-resistant bacterium Helicobacter pylori attach to the digestive tract wall and prevent the production of protective mucus.
Treatment: Antibiotics to kill the bacteria and medications to reduce stomach acidity.

Definition: A group of chronic diseases causing intestinal inflammation; affects $1$ in every $150$ Canadians as of $2012$ .
Crohn’s disease: Can affect any part of the alimentary canal; impairs growth and bone/muscle development in children.
Ulcerative colitis: Attacks the colon; symptoms include cramps and bloody stools; may require surgical removal of the affected colon.

Definition: Bowel movements occurring $3$ times per week or less; stools are dry and difficult to eliminate.
Causes: Inadequate water intake, lack of physical activity, or poor nerve and muscle function.
Prevention: Intake of dietary fibre (e.g., cellulose) from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver. Type A is water-borne; Type B is spread by sexual contact (vaccine available); Type C is spread by infected blood.
Cirrhosis: Irreversible replacement of healthy liver tissue with non-functioning scar tissue, often caused by chronic alcoholism or Hepatitis C.
Gallstones: Hard cholesterol crystals formed in the gall bladder; treated with medications, ultrasound shock waves, or surgery.

Endoscope: A non-invasive device used to locate and treat ulcers or tumours via the alimentary canal using cameras, lasers, and forceps.
Capsule Endoscopy: A swallowed tiny camera used specifically to visualize the small intestine.

Definition: A chronic disease where cells cannot use glucose for energy due to issues with the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas.
Type $1$ : Occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells.
Type $2$ : Occurs when the body produces insufficient insulin or cannot use it properly.
Gestational: Develops during pregnancy; increases the later risk of Type $2$ diabetes.
Risk Factors: Advanced age, family history, and specific ethnic backgrounds (Aboriginal, African, Asian, Hispanic, and Pacific Island descent).

Discovery: Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered the link between insulin and diabetes in $1922$ .
Production: Modern human insulin is manufactured using genetic engineering, specifically by inserting human DNA into bacterial plasmids to create recombinant DNA.
Delivery: Computerized insulin pumps provide better glucose control than manual injections.