Question

1. Salt licks are often put out for stock animals to gain a source of sodium as most grains etc., have low salt content.   As part of a drunken outing Chet is dared to eat an entire salt lick, and shockingly he does.   How would ingesting this much salt affect Chet’s body? Since he would likely end up in the hospital, how would they treat him? Hormones!
2. Acarbose is an alpha-glycosidase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of polysaccharides into monosaccharides in the gut.  It was first used as a treatment for type II diabetes to help manage sugar levels.  One off-label effect is it promotes a lean phenotype in individuals.  How does sugar management help diabetics? Why would it cause a lean (i.e. less fat) phenotype?
3. Compare and contrast all the types of diabetes.  Describe symptoms, onset etc. Be thorough.

Answer 1

1. Salt licks are places on the ground where salt appears naturally or has been deposited by humans and where birds and animals assemble to savour the taste. Salt licks can provide the minerals that are often lacking such as phosphorous, calcium and magnesium. After consuming too much salt from salt licks, Chet might experience some short term side effects such as swollen hands and feet or a swollen face. He may suffer from high blood pressure as excess sodium increases blood pressure as a consequence of excess fluid retention by the body. Too much sodium in the Chet's body may cause burden on his heart which might increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. It may also increase the risk of kidney disease, osteoporosis and stomach cancer. When hospitalized, the doctors will try to flush Chet's body with excess water through intravenous fluids or diuretics that may help Chet to lower blood sodium level. Doctors may suggest ingestion of foods reach in potassium such as banana, potatoes and some green leafy vegetables as potassium lowers sodium level in blood. Doctors may advise him to do cardio exercises as sweat will help body get rid of toxins and impurities. They may also advice to reduce the salt intake for few days and to focus on eating healthy natural whole foods.

2. Diabetes affects almost every part of the body. In addition to causing diabetes, excess sugar may lead to obesity and cardiovascular problems. Fructose in sugar is absorbed by liver which leads to builup of liver fat and decreased insulin sensitivity. Insulin helps in uptake of glucose by cells thus lowering blood glucose levels. In absence of insulin cells can't use glucose for energy production. Monitoring daily sugar levels may help to control diabetes and other complications. Arabose may help people with diabetes to lose weight. It works by slowing the action of certain chemicals which aid the break down of food to release glucose in the blood. Slowing of digestion helps to keep blood glucose from rising very high after meals, thus helping to lower builup of fat in the body.

3. Diabetes can be classified into following general categories:

a. Type 1 diabetes mellitus: It is a condition in which the immune system destroys beta-cells of pancreas, the cells synthesizing insulin. Deficiency of insulin leads to high blood glucose levels leading to type 1 diabetes. This type usually begins before 40 years of age although occassionally people have been diagnosed at an older age. It is also diagnosed in an infant or child and so it is often referred juvenille diabetes. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue and blurred vision.

b. Type 2 diabetes mellitus: It is caused due to progressive insulin secretory defect leading to insulin resistance. In this condition either the body dosen't produce enough insulin or it resists insulin. This type of diabetes is also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. It generally begins in old age i. 45 years of age. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue and blurred vision.

c. Gestational diabetes mellitus: It is defined as any degree of glucose tolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The individuals who developed gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. During pregnancy, the placenta makes hormones which causes glucose to build up in the blood leading to this type of diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes don't usually have symptoms.

d. Diabetes insipidus: It is an uncommon disorder causing an imbalance of fluids in the body. This imbalance makes an individual very thirsty even after drinking. It also leads to produce large amounts of urine. In addition to excessive thirst and heavy urination other symptoms include bed wetting and getting up at night to urinate. It occurs in wide age range. It is most often seen in 10-20 year olds.