Diabetes Overview and Mechanisms

Diabetes

• Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels
• It's caused by the body not producing enough insulin or not using insulin effectively
• Two main types:
  • Type 1: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
  • Type 2: More common, often associated with lifestyle factors. The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough. Usually develops in adults, increasingly in children.

Type 1 Diabetes Mechanism

• Autoimmune Reaction: The immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
• Insulin Deficiency: Insulin production significantly decreases, leading to high blood sugar levels because insulin isn't available to regulate blood glucose.

Type 2 Diabetes Mechanism

• Insulin Resistance: The body's cells become less responsive to insulin, making it hard for glucose to enter cells.
• Impaired Insulin Secretion: Over time, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance.
• Increased Gluconeogenesis: The liver may produce more glucose than necessary.

Diabetes Treatment (Type 1)

• Insulin Therapy: Regular insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage blood sugar levels.
• Monitoring Blood Sugar: Frequent testing to maintain target glucose levels.
• Dietary Management: A balanced diet with a focus on carbohydrate counting.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise to improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.

Diabetes Treatment (Type 2)

• Lifestyle Changes: Diet, focusing on whole foods, high fiber, and low sugar. Regular physical activity to help control weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Oral Medications: Various medications (e.g., metformin) to lower blood sugar levels or improve insulin sensitivity.
• Insulin Therapy: May be required if blood sugar levels cannot be controlled with oral medications.
• Monitoring Blood Sugar: Regular blood sugar testing to guide treatment decisions.

Maltose Malabsorption

• Maltose malabsorption is a condition where the body does not properly digest maltose due to a shortage of the enzyme maltase.
• This leads to digestive issues.
• Undigested maltose travels to the large intestine where bacteria ferment it, producing gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane.

Maltose Malabsorption Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Maltose Malabsorption Diagnosis and Management

• Diagnosis is done through a Hydrogen Breath Test or stool acidity test.
• Management involves limiting maltose-containing foods and enzyme supplements in some cases.

Lactose Intolerance

• Lactose intolerance is when the body struggles to digest lactose (a sugar in milk).
• This is often due to a shortage of lactase, an enzyme in the small intestine required for lactose digestion.
• Symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming dairy products.

Lactose Intolerance Types

• Primary lactose intolerance: Inherited lack of lactase produced throughout life.
• Secondary lactose intolerance: Reduced lactase production caused by illness or injury.
• Developmental/Congenital lactose intolerance: Inability to make any lactase.

Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA)

• A rare genetic disorder where individuals lack pain sensation and sweat production.
• Symptoms include self-injury and overheating.

This quiz covers the essential aspects of diabetes, including its definition, types, and underlying mechanisms. Explore the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, focusing on how each type affects insulin production and functionality in the body.