DIABETES TYPE 2

Diabetes Type 2

Diabetes Type 2

Introduction

Diabetes characterized by high blood glucose levels is of two types. Type 1 diabetes, which is insulin dependent. In this condition, patient does not have enough pancreatic B cells that can produce insulin and hence inadequate levels of insulin are produced. These patients require injections of insulin to regulate the glucose uptake by their cells. In such patients, insulin is necessary, because in the absence of insulin, glucose is not taken up by cells. Hence, even in the presence of glucose, cells experience hypoglycaemia (low glucose levels). Hypoglycaemia is a condition in which there are inadequate amounts of glucose available in the blood. Glucose is the source of instant energy and is extensively used utilized by brain cells for energy production. If the amount of glucose is low, the brain is susceptible to unconsciousness. Hence, it is important for the cells to get glucose in order to meet its energy requirements. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that results in impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, characterized by hyperglycemia (increased blood glucoe levels). The pathophysiology of diabetes includes either decreased insulin production or increased peripheral insulin resistance. Decreased production of insulin is the consequence of aging as the beta cells of pancreatic islets decrease in number with aging and insufficient amounts of insulin are produced. Insulin is necessary for uptake of glucose by the cells. Insulin not just limited to glucose metabolism, also has effects on protein synthesis and fat metabolism by targeting particular receptors on the cells and inducing certain pathways necessary for protein synthesis and fat metabolism. Primarily, insulin serves to increase or induce the glucose uptake by the cells. However in certain cases, peripheral visceral cells are unable to show effect to insulin and hence do not uptake the glucose for metabolism. This results in glucose flanking with in the blood unconsumed. This condition termed insulin resistantcne is also characteristic of type 2 diabetes. As compared to Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease characterised by destruction of pancreatic beta cells, and hence low to no production of insulin, type 2 diabetes is stable and causes chronic hyperglycaemic state that results in complications of diabetes. Allan was diagnosed diabetes based on high fasting blood glucose and high blood glucose levels postprandial. For a week, his blood glucose levels were measured. He had fasting blood glucose levels up to 210. While blood glucose postprandial were up to 300.

Discussion

Insulin released into the blood moves from the bloodstream to all organs and systems of the human body. But, insulin does not have its effects on all types of cells. Rather, certain cells have been identified and the action of insulin has been studied in great detail with respect to these organs. They are the insulin-responsive organs and include liver cells, muscle cells, cardiac cells and even brain cells. Insulin requires particular anchor points or receptors which recognizes the insulin molecule. This receptor binds the insulin and signalling cascade is started in which many, ...