Carbohydrates and Blood Glucose Control

Study Notes

Carbohydrates are biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
They primarily serve as an energy source.
Glucose, the primary energy source, is carefully maintained in the blood within a specific range.
Hypoglycemia refers to low blood glucose levels, while hyperglycemia indicates high levels.
The body maintains glucose homeostasis through various mechanisms.
Excess glucose is converted into glycogen for storage or transformed into fatty acids and triglycerides.
Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, plays a crucial role in lowering blood glucose levels.
Anti-insulin hormones, like glucagon, adrenaline, growth hormone, glucocorticoids, and thyroxine, elevate blood glucose.

Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels.
Signs and symptoms can manifest acutely or chronically.
Acute signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia: polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), weight changes, fatigue, and headache.
Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to ketoacidosis, characterized by fruity-smelling urine, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and coma.

Insulinoma: A benign tumor in the pancreas that secretes excess insulin, leading to low blood glucose.
Accidental or deliberate overdose of insulin: This can result in hypoglycemia, often distinguishing it from insulinoma by measuring both insulin and C-peptide levels in the blood.
Insulin administered externally typically lacks C-peptide, indicating insulin overdose, whereas C-peptide levels remain high in insulinoma.

Type 1 diabetes: Insulin-dependent diabetes, characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes; the body produces insulin, but it is not utilized efficiently.
Bronze diabetes: A rare form of diabetes associated with excessive iron storage in the pancreas.
Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Diabetes Mellitus: Both types 1 & 2.
Cushing's Syndrome: A hormonal disorder involving excessive cortisol production leading to hyperglycemia.
Unusual hormone-secreting tumors: These tumors can lead to hyperglycemia by affecting insulin production or utilization.