What is the physiology of diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome with disordered metabolism and inappropriate hyperglycemia due to either a deficiency of insulin secretion or to a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion to compensate.

What is the primary physiologic defect in diabetes mellitus type 2?

In the early stages of development of type 2 diabetes, impaired glycogen synthesis in muscle is the primary defect responsible for the insulin resistance. The initial step in muscle glucose metabolism involves activation of the glucose transport system, leading to influx of glucose into insulin target tissues.

What is the anatomy and physiology of type 2 diabetes?

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes insulin, but the tissues do not respond effectively to normal levels of insulin, a condition termed insulin resistance. Over many years the pancreas will decrease the levels of insulin it secretes, but that is not the main problem when the disease initiates.

What are the side effects of type 2 diabetes?

Short-term complications of type 2 diabetes are hypoglycemia (very low blood glucose) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome ( HHNS ), which is very high blood glucose. Long-term complications of type 2 are diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease (nephropathy), diabetic neuropathy, and macrovascular problems.

Why is type 2 diabetes treated with insulin?

There are several reasons people with type 2 diabetes may want to use insulin: It can quickly bring your blood glucose level down to a healthier range. It has fewer side effects than some of the medications: Insulin is a synthetic version of a hormone our bodies produce. It can be cheaper.

What is the mechanism of type 2 diabetes?

Other potentially important mechanisms associated with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance include: increased breakdown of lipids within fat cells, resistance to and lack of incretin , high glucagon levels in the blood, increased retention of salt and water by the kidneys, and inappropriate regulation of metabolism by the central nervous system.

Is type 2 diabetes caused by weight?

Weight. Being overweight is a main risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, you don’t have to be overweight to develop type 2 diabetes. Fat distribution. If you store fat mainly in the abdomen, you have a greater risk of type 2 diabetes than if you store fat elsewhere, such as in your hips and thighs.