2. It activates enzymes which are responsible for the conversion of glucose to glycogen.
Glucagon - another hormone secreted by the islets of langerhans. The secretion of glucagon is stimulated by a fall in blood glucose concentration. The main effect of this hormone on the body is to activate the enzymes in the liver which are responsible for the conversion of glycogen to glucose . It also stimulates the formation of glucose from other molecules such as amino acids. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the level of glucose in the blood becomes higher than normal. There are 2 types of diabetes mellitus- type 1 and type 2
Understanding blood glucose and insulin
Foods are broken down in our gut into sugars, after we eat. The main sugar that passes through our gut wall and into our bloodstream is glucose., however to remain healthy, your blood glucose level should not go too high or too low.
After we eat the level of glucose in our blood rises this triggers an increase in the level of insulin in our blood. Insulin works on the cells of our body and makes them take in glucose from the bloodstream. Some of the glucose is used by the cells for energy (by respiration), and some is converted into glycogen or fat which are stores of energy. However when the levels of glucose in the blood begin to fall then level of insulin falls. Some glycogen or fat is then converted back into glucose which is released from the cells into the bloodstream.
Understanding the 2 types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
The facts
Usually diagnosed in childhood
The body makes little or no insulin
Daily injections of insulin are required to sustain life
Without proper daily management, medical emergencies can arise.
Occurs when the insulin producing cells are destroyed by the bodies own
Type immune system.
Is also referred to as insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes.
Can occur at any age, however usually starts in people younger than 30
What is happening?
The beta cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin, this prevents glucose from entering the body cells. Glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. This leads to increased hunger because despite there being high levels of glucose in the blood stream, the body is unable to use this glucose. Also this high level of glucose causes a person to urinate more leading to increased thirst. Within 5 to 10 years after diagnosis, the beta cells in the pancreas completely stop producing insulin because they are completely destroyed.
The symptoms
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Weight loss despite increased appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Absence of menstruation
Type 2 diabetes
The facts
Results when the bodies insulin does not work effectively
Chronic, life long disease
Used to be known as maturity onset, on non insulin dependant diabetes
Tends to run in families
Common in people who are obese or overweight
Illness and symptoms tend to develop gradually
Body still makes insulin, however because of insulin resistance the insulin does not work well.
What is happening?
The cause of this condition may be due to a drastic fall in the efficiency of the islet cells or of a failure of the cell membranes to respond to insulin.
Symptoms
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing infections
Treatments
A small drop of blood should be tested for its glucose content. This is known as “self testing” Regular testing can tell you how well you are dieting, exercising to control diabetes. The results can be used to adjust meals, activity or medication to keep blood sugar levels at an appropriate level.
Diet and weight control is also an important aspect to consider when treating diabetes.
Meal planning can include:-
choosing healthy foods,
eating the right amount of food
eating meals at the right time.
If you are suffering from diabetes, when you cannot achieve normal blood glucose levels with diet and exercise medication is also added to the treatment plan. Your doctor will start you on oral medicines such as;
Oral sulfonylureas - trigger the pancreas to secrete more insulin.
Biguanides stimulate the liver to decrease its production of glucose, which increases glucose levels in the blood stream.
Meglitinides trigger the pancreas to make more insulin in response to how much glucose is in the blood.
Advice-
Visit a diabetes care provider every three months.
Everyone should have their blood glucose checked at least every three months. Regular testing of random blood glucose should begin at a younger age and be performed more often if you are at particular risk for diabetes.
Maintain a healthy body weight and keep an active lifestyle
References
Biology Collins advanced series
Aneela Javeed
