Diabetes when homeostasis doesn't work

Type 1 Diabetes

Cause:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (beta cells).
• This results in the pancreas producing little to no insulin.
• Without insulin, glucose cannot move from the bloodstream into cells, leading to high blood glucose levels.
• Type 1 diabetes typically develops in children or young adults, and its exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms:

• High blood glucose levels.
• Frequent urination and excessive thirst.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Blurred vision.

Control:

• Insulin Injections: People with Type 1 diabetes need to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and inject insulin to help control it. This replaces the insulin the pancreas cannot produce.
• Monitoring Blood Sugar: Blood glucose levels need to be carefully monitored throughout the day using blood glucose meters.
• Diet Management: It is important for people with Type 1 diabetes to eat a balanced diet low in sugar and simple carbohydrates to avoid rapid increases in blood sugar levels.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps lower blood glucose levels because it increases the rate of respiration in muscles, using up glucose in the process.

Type 2 Diabetes

Cause:

• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body's cells become resistant to insulin, meaning they do not respond properly to the hormone. This is known as insulin resistance.
• The pancreas still produces insulin, but it is not effective enough at lowering blood glucose levels.
• Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors, including obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet. It is more common in older people but is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger populations due to rising obesity rates.
• Genetic factors also play a role, as some individuals are more prone to developing insulin resistance.

Symptoms:

• High blood glucose levels.
• Tiredness and fatigue.
• Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• Blurred vision.
• In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms early on.

Control:

• Dietary Changes: A carbohydrate-controlled diet is important. Since carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, reducing the intake of high-sugar foods helps control blood glucose levels.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, meaning cells respond better to insulin, and glucose is used more efficiently for respiration.
• Weight Loss: Maintaining a healthy body weight significantly reduces the risk and impact of Type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing this condition, and weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity.
• Medications: In some cases, people with Type 2 diabetes may need medications (such as metformin) to help the body respond better to insulin. In more severe cases, insulin injections may be required.

Comparing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes	Type 2 Diabetes
Cause: Immune system destroys insulin-producing cells.	Cause: Body cells become resistant to insulin.
Insulin: Pancreas produces no or very little insulin.	Insulin: Pancreas produces insulin, but it is ineffective.
Onset: Usually develops in childhood or adolescence.	Onset: Usually develops in adults, but increasingly common in younger people.
Management: Insulin injections, careful blood glucose monitoring, diet, and exercise.	Management: Diet control, regular exercise, weight loss, and possibly medication or insulin.

Body Mass and Type 2 Diabetes

Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio are key indicators of whether a person is at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:

BMI:

• Underweight: < 18.5 kg/m²

• Normal weight: 18.5 – 25 kg/m²

• Overweight: 25 – 30 kg/m²

• Obese: > 30 kg/m² Waist-to-Hip Ratio:

• A waist-to-hip ratio of > 0.85 in women and > 1.0 in men indicates obesity, which is linked to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Summary:

• Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's failure to produce insulin and is managed by insulin injections, diet, and exercise.
• Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. It can be controlled by diet changes, exercise, and sometimes medication.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity are crucial in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes.

Genetically modified insulin Gene for human insulin is stuck in the bacterial DNA which makes pure human protein

• Better than humans as can be mass produced
• Better than animals as affects religious/ethical views

Type 1 (15% of cases)	Don't produce/enough insulin in pancreas Glucose stays in blood and rises (urinate it out)• or can kill them Regular insulin injections into tissue (done at mealtimes as glucose rises so removes from blood quick once foods digested) Amount depends on their diet/activeness • Limit intake of high carbs food (contains glucose) • Exercise: removes excess glucose in blood
Type 2 (85% of cases)	Insulin produced is faulty/ cells don't react to hormone Glucose builds up in blood Insulin injections for serious case Limit intake of high carbs food (contains glucose) • Exercise: removes excess glucose in blood

Weight loss	Without insulin stops glucose from blood going into cells for energy so body burns fat/muscle for energy
Tiredness	Less energy as either high/ low glucose levels
Thrush	High sugar levels causes better places for yeast to grow
Urinate more	As glucose stays in blood the body removes excess glucose in urine
Thirst	Receptors in hypothalamus are stimulated by high blood glucose levels, by drinking they can dilute their blood