Choose a "Disease/Disorder" from the Body Systems: Diabetes Mellitus
Describe the physiological functions of the specified organ in the context of diabetes mellitus.
What causes diabetes mellitus? How is it diagnosed (test run, blood work, etc)?
What are the symptoms (how do they present themselves)?
What is the treatment and/or prognosis? How effective is the treatment usually?
What medications are used?
Who does the disease/disorder affect? Adults, children, etc.
What procedure would a physician perform to eradicate this diseased organ?
Why it's essential that we be informed? Do you have any personal experience with the Disease or Disorder?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by the body's inability to regulate blood glucose.
Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
Type 2 Diabetes: This form is caused by insulin resistance, where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin. As a result, the pancreas works overtime to produce more insulin, but over time, it can't keep up, leading to high blood sugar. It is strongly linked to genetics, lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
Sample Answer
Physiology and Causes of Diabetes Mellitus
The pancreas is the key organ involved in diabetes mellitus. It has both endocrine and exocrine functions, but its endocrine role is central to diabetes. Within the pancreas, clusters of cells called the islets of Langerhans produce hormones, including insulin and glucagon. Insulin is secreted by beta cells and acts as a key that allows glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream to enter cells for energy. Glucagon, secreted by alpha cells, has the opposite effect, raising blood glucose levels. In a healthy person, these two hormones work in a balanced manner to maintain stable blood sugar.