Question

Describe normal regulation of blood glucose via the pancreatic hormones. How is this altered with Diabetes? Why is Diabetes called an impairment to the homeostasis of glucose? What is the difference between Type I and Type II diabetes?

Answer 1

Pancreas releases 2 hormone - insulin and glucagon that regulate blood glucose.

• Insulin is released when blood glucose rises (like after a meal) and it's function is to decrease blood glucose back to normal. It does this by promoting glucose breakdown and uptake by liver, muscle, adipose tissue
• Glucagon is released when blood glucose decreases (during fasting). It increases blood glucose back to normal by promoting gluconeogenesis

In diabetes there is impairment of glucose metabolism either due to insulin deficiency (Type I) or insulin resistance (type II). Therefore the body is unable to utilize glucose and blood glucose remains high (hyperglycemia). As there is impairment of glucose metabolism therefore diabetes is called as impairment to homeostasis of glucose.

Difference between type I and type II diabetes

• Type I - occurs early. It is due to insulin deficiency. Also called as insulin dependent diabetes. Treatment is by insulin substitute
• Type II - Occurs late and is more common among obese individual. There is insulin resistance (later on there may be insulin deficiency). Also called as non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Treatment options are many like oral hypoglycemic agent, dietary modification and insulin substitute.