Describe the causes of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus and their physiological effects

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune process involving the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells that secrete insulin. The cause may be genetic or environmental triggers. Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance in which there is a reduced sensitivity of target cells to the insulin present. Obesity, which results in increased production of a hormone called resistin that promotes insulin resistance, is the biggest risk factor for development of type II diabetes. Genetics may also play a major role in some individuals. In both types, diabetes causes: (1) hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) due to decreased uptake of glucose by most cells in the body. This leads to glucose in the urine and associated osmotic loss of water; the result can be dehydration and decrease in blood pressure; (2) decreased triglyceride synthesis and increased lipolysis, since cells must use fats as an alternative energy source; this may lead to ketosis; (3) decreased amino acid uptake by cells, which leads to increased levels of amino acids in the blood and increased conversion of amino acids to glucose through gluconeogenesis; this further increases blood glucose levels; and (4) increased protein degradation, which leads to muscle wasting and weight loss.