Carbohydrates and Blood Glucose Control

Introduction

• 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

• 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.

Causes of Hypoglycemia

• 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.

Diabetes Mellitus

• 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.

Causes of Hyperglycemia

• 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.