Lecture Notes: Pathophysiology Basics - Blood Sugar Regulation and Diabetes

Blood Sugar Regulation

• Increase in Blood Sugar:

  • Occurs naturally when we eat.
  • Pancreas releases insulin from beta cells and enzymes to break down food.
  • Insulin function: Moves sugar and potassium into cells, satisfying cellular hunger.
  • Result: Decrease in blood sugar and potassium levels in the blood.

• Glucagon and Glycogen:

  • When no food intake, pancreas releases glucagon hormone.
  • Glucagon breaks down stored glucose (glycogen) in the liver, increasing blood sugar.
  • Glycogen is described as a glucose brick wall.
  • Mnemonic: "Glucagon means glucose gone into the bloodstream."

Diabetes Overview

Type 1 Diabetes

• Description:
  • Autoimmune disease.
  • Body destroys its own pancreas, no insulin production.
  • Genetic and can be inherited.
  • Patients are insulin-dependent for life.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Description:
  • Caused by diet and lifestyle (high sugar intake, sedentary behavior).
  • Cells develop insulin resistance as receptor sites become overused.
  • Mnemonic: "In Type 2, the cells are through."

Risk Factors

• Type 1: Genetic, no specific lifestyle risk factors.
• Type 2:
  • Combination of poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and some genetic factors.
  • Metabolic syndrome increases risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke.

Metabolic Syndrome (Key for Examinations)

• BOWL Acronym:

  • B: Blood pressure meds or high BP > 130 systolic.
  • B: Blood sugar meds or high fasting blood sugar > 100.
  • O: Obesity – waist size > 35 inches for females, > 45 inches for males.
  • L: Lipids – high cholesterol; HDL should be > 40.

• Metabolic Syndrome Criteria:

  • Three or more of the above criteria indicates metabolic syndrome.
  • Contributes to insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Memory Trick:
  • Write the BOWL memory trick at least 15 times the week before exams.
• Practice Question:
  • Engage with practice questions for better exam readiness.
• Resources:
  • Consider subscribing to educational channels and accessing quiz banks for more resources.

Remember to review these notes regularly to reinforce your understanding of blood sugar regulation and diabetes management. Use the mnemonics and acronyms to help memorize key concepts and prepare for exams effectively.