Diabetes Overview and Mechanisms

Study Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.