D3.3.4 Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes Notes

Diabetes Disrupts Blood Glucose Regulation

1. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels remain consistently elevated, even during fasting.
2. It results from the body’s inability to regulate glucose effectively, leading to long-term complications if untreated.

Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin Deficiency

1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks beta cells in the pancreas.
2. This leads to insufficient insulin production.
3. As a result, blood glucose levels rise unchecked, causing hyperglycemia.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Autoimmune Response: The immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing beta cells.
2. Genetic Susceptibility: Certain genes increase the likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes.
3. Environmental Triggers: Viral infections or other factors may initiate the immune attack.

Treatment and Management

1. Insulin Therapy: Patients require regular insulin injections or insulin pumps to maintain blood glucose levels.
2. Monitoring: Frequent blood glucose testing helps adjust insulin doses.
3. Emerging Treatments: Research explores stem cell therapy to regenerate beta cells and artificial pancreas systems.

Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin Resistance

1. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin, but the cells become resistant to its effects.
2. This means that although insulin is present, it cannot effectively lower blood glucose levels.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Lifestyle Factors:
   1. High-sugar, high-fat diets.
   2. Lack of exercise.
   3. Obesity.
2. Genetics: A family history of type 2 diabetes increases risk.
3. Age: Once rare in people under 50, type 2 diabetes is now common in younger individuals due to lifestyle changes.