Level 2 Diabetes Course

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Module 1: Introduction to Diabetes

Pathophysiology of diabetes

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This lesson will delve into the underlying mechanisms of diabetes, explaining how the body normally regulates blood sugar and how this process is disrupted in people with diabetes. Understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes is crucial for providing effective care and support. It helps us understand the potential complications of the disease and the importance of maintaining good blood sugar control.

Blood Sugar Regulation: A Delicate Balance

  • Our bodies rely on a constant supply of glucose for energy.
  • After we eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • To maintain stable blood sugar levels, the body employs a sophisticated system involving hormones, primarily insulin.
  • Insulin, produced by the pancreas, acts like a key, allowing glucose to enter the body’s cells for energy.
  • When blood sugar levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin.
  • Insulin signals cells, particularly muscle, liver, and fat cells, to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
  • This process lowers blood sugar levels and provides energy for the body’s needs.

Disruptions in Blood Sugar Regulation in Diabetes

  • Type 1 Diabetes:
    • In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.  
    • As a result, the pancreas produces little to no insulin.  
    • Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells, leading to a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia).
    • People with Type 1 diabetes must rely on external insulin therapy to survive.
  • Type 2 Diabetes:
    • In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin.
    • This means that even though the pancreas may produce insulin, the cells don’t respond effectively to it.
    • As a result, glucose cannot enter the cells properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
    • In some cases, the pancreas may also gradually lose its ability to produce sufficient insulin.

The Consequences of High Blood Sugar

  • When blood sugar levels remain consistently high (hyperglycemia), it can have damaging effects throughout the body:
    • Damage to Blood Vessels: High blood sugar can damage the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
    • Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands, feet, and other parts of the body.
    • Eye Damage (Retinopathy): High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness.
    • Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does insulin normally help regulate blood sugar levels?
  2. What are the key differences in the pathophysiology of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
  3. Why is it important to maintain good blood sugar control in people with diabetes?

Module Summary

This lesson has explored the underlying mechanisms of diabetes, focusing on how the body normally regulates blood sugar and how this process is disrupted in people with the condition. You have learned about the role of insulin, the pathophysiology of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and the potential consequences of high blood sugar levels. This knowledge provides a crucial foundation for understanding the importance of effective diabetes management and the need for ongoing care and support.