Choose a "Disease/Disorder" from the Body Systems: Diabetes Mellitus
Describe the physiological functions of the specified organ in the context of diabetes mellitus.
What causes diabetes mellitus? How is it diagnosed (test run, blood work, etc)?
What are the symptoms (how do they present themselves)?
What is the treatment and/or prognosis? How effective is the treatment usually?
What medications are used?
Who does the disease/disorder affect? Adults, children, etc.
What procedure would a physician perform to eradicate this diseased organ?
Why it's essential that we be informed? Do you have any personal experience with the Disease or Disorder?
Full Answer Section
In a healthy individual, these two hormones work together to maintain a stable blood sugar balance. In diabetes, this balance is disrupted due to problems with insulin.
Causes, Diagnosis, and Symptoms
Causes Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. The underlying cause varies by type:
- Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The exact trigger is unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or develops insulin resistance, meaning the cells don't respond effectively to the insulin that is produced. This is strongly linked to genetics, lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
- Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is caused by hormones from the placenta that block the action of the mother's insulin.
Diagnosis Diagnosis involves blood tests that measure blood glucose levels:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A result of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions indicates diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher at the 2-hour mark indicates diabetes.
- A1C test (Glycated Hemoglobin test): Provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. This test is convenient as it doesn't require fasting.
- Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) test: A blood glucose reading of 200 mg/dL or higher at any time, combined with classic diabetes symptoms, is diagnostic.
Symptoms Common symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:
- Polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Polyuria (frequent urination)
- Polyphagia (increased hunger)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
Treatment, Prognosis, and Medication
Treatment and Prognosis There is currently
no cure for diabetes, but it can be effectively managed. The goal of treatment is to maintain blood glucose levels within a target range to prevent both short-term complications (like diabetic ketoacidosis) and long-term complications (like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease). With proper management, individuals with diabetes can live long, healthy lives. The effectiveness of treatment is highly dependent on patient adherence to medication, diet, and exercise regimens.
Medications
- Type 1 Diabetes: Requires lifelong insulin therapy via injections or an insulin pump.
- Type 2 Diabetes:
- Often starts with lifestyle changes, but most people eventually need medication.
- Metformin is a common first-line drug that reduces glucose production by the liver.
- Other medications include sulfonylureas, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and DPP-4 inhibitors.
- Some individuals with Type 2 diabetes may also require insulin.
Affected Populations and Surgical Procedures
Who the Disease Affects Diabetes affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.
- Type 1 Diabetes is more common in children, teens, and young adults but can develop at any age.
Sample Answer
Physiological Functions of the Pancreas in Diabetes Mellitus
The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that plays a dual role in digestion and hormone production. In the context of diabetes mellitus, its
endocrine function is most relevant. The pancreas contains clusters of cells called the
Islets of Langerhans. Within these islets,
beta cells produce the hormone
insulin, and
alpha cells produce the hormone
glucagon.
- Insulin acts like a key, allowing glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream to enter cells to be used for energy. This lowers blood glucose levels.
- Glucagon has the opposite effect, signaling the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, which raises blood glucose levels.