Diabetes:Pathophysiology

Author:

Thursday, October 7, 2010 - 05:04

It may be due to

Insulin deficiency
Reduced utilization of glucose
Intracellular hypoglycaemia
Extracellular hyperglycaemia

Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of pancreas, which is responsible for maintaining the glucose levels in the blood ( main source of energy ).

In a diabetic patient, abnormal insulin metabolism leads to reduced utilization of glucose, which inturn results in an elevated levels of glucose ( condition known as hyperglycaemia ).

Type 1 diabetes / Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

In type 1 diabetes beta cells are destroyed, hence they cannot synthesize enough insulin hormone that is required by the body to carryout its normal functions.

Other causes of type 1 diabetes are exposure to harmful toxins, virus or sometimes stress.

This type of diabetes is more common among children and young adults.

Symptoms

Main symptom is hyperglycemia,

increased thirst,

abnormal hunger,

frequent urination,

weight loss, and

fatigue.

Type 2 diabetes / Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Insulin production by the pancreas is normal but the body cells become resistant and non-responsive to insulin, which leads to diabetes. Hence the cell membrane becomes impermeable to glucose.

Other causes are : reduced insulin secretion, increased production of glucose by the liver.

It is more common incase of middle age adults and elder people.

Symptoms

Prolonged hyperglycemia, may lead to obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, delayed healing, tiredness, and blurred vision.

Gestational diabetes

It is common among pregnant women and is due to abnormal changes in the hormonal level during pregnancy.

There are many side effects and complications associated with diabetes. Hence early diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary to prevent any adverse effects.

Treatment depends on the type of diabetes.

Proper diet, weight management, healthy lifestyle, enough physical activity, proper monitoring are necessary to control diabetes.

THIS BLOG POST DOESNOT CONTAIN ANY PLAGIARISED MATERIAL

References