Diabetes when homeostasis doesn’t work (Edexcel GCSE Biology): Flashcards

Chronic condition - body can't regulate blood glucose levels

Autoimmune - immune system attacks insulin-producing cells

Pancreas produces little to no insulin

Children or young adults

Regular insulin injections

Body's cells become resistant to insulin (insulin resistance)

Pancreas produces insulin but it's not effective enough

Obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet

Metformin

$> 30$ kg/m$^2$

$> 1.0$

Gene for human insulin inserted into bacterial DNA

Reduces blood glucose level

85%

Increases respiration in muscles, using up glucose