The pancreas
has both
endocrine and
exocrine
funtions
The islets of Lngerhans
include alpha cells, beta
cells and delta cells
Alpha cells secrete glucagon
More predominant
effect than insulin
Increased by
sympathetic signals,
adrenaline secretion
and decreased
plasma glucose
Effects on the liver
include increased
gluconeogenesis and
increased protein
breakdown. Causes
increased lipolysis in
adipose tissue
Glucagon secreted in the
post-absorptive/ catabolic state when
energy stores are metabolised
Delta cells secrete
somatostatin
Beta cells secrete insulin
Increased by
parasympathetic
signalling, increased
plasma glucose and
amino acid levels
Insulin dominates in absorptive/
anabolic state. This is the period just
after eating when energy is stored in
macromolecules
Effects on the liver
include decreased
gluconeogenesis and
increased triglyceride
synthesis. In the muscle it
causes increased glycogen
synthesis and decreased
glycogenolysis. Also
decreased lipolysis in
adipose tissue
Increased glucose uptake by
GLUT4 transporter
translocation
Secretes digestive
enzymes from acini
Normal blood glucose =
70-140mg/dl
Hypoglycaemia
Symptoms include sweating,
pounding heart, shaking,
confusion, visual disturbance
Treated with oral or
IV glucose or glucagon
Hyperglycaemia
Type 2 - insulin
resistance at target
tissue or impaired
insulin secretion
Firstly managed by lifestyle
factor changes
Drug treatments include sulphonylureas that increase
insulin secretion, thiazolidinediones (TZD's) that reduce
insulin resistance, as do biguanides (Metformin)
Sulphonylureas block K+ ATP
channels so cause depolarisation
and therefore release of insulin
TZD's bind to PPAP-y
receptors; more GLUT4
transporters
Orlistat can be taken to reduce weight
Long term complications
Diabetic nephropathy - end stage renal
failure needs transplant
Diabetic neuropathy -
nerve conduction velocity
slowed to lower limbs.
Effects sensation to pain
Diabetic retinopathy -
increases cataracts due to
thickened membrane of
retinal blood vessels
Type 1 - beta cell destruction so
inability to produce insulin
Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
Treated by mimicking exogenous
insulin administered
subcutaneously around meal
times
Can be short acting
(Ispro), delayed
(Lente) or long acting
(Ultralene')
Diagnosed by: 1.symptoms 2. random plasma
glucose >200mg/dl 3.fasting plasma glucose
>126mg/dl 4. Oral glucose tolerance test >200mg/dl
after 2hours