Insulin And Diabetes

The endocrine part of the pancreas consists of pancreatic islets (islets of the Langerhans). Insulin and glucagon are hormones secreted by islet cells of the pancreas. Both of these hormones are secreted depending on the blood glucose levels. Alpha cells of the pancreatic islets secrete glucagon and beta cells of the pancreatic islets secrete insulin (Marieb, 2012). Insulin and glucagon are equally important in managing blood glucose, making sure the body functions well.

Glucose, which comes from the food we eat, is important to fueling your body. A decline in the blood glucose level below its normal range causes the nervous system to malfunction because glucose is its main source of energy. Insulin and glucagon hormones partner to balance
In turn, these causes an improper amount of glucagon to be released. When the system is thrown out of balance, it can lead to dangerous levels of glucose in your blood.

In people who have diabetes mellitus, tissues cannot take up glucose effectively, causing blood glucose levels to become very high, a condition called hyperglycemia. Because glucose cannot enter the cells of the satiety center of the brain without insulin, the satiety center responds as if there were very little blood glucose, resulting in exaggerated appetite (polyphagia). The excess glucose in the blood is excreted through the urine, causing the urine volume to be much greater than normal (polyuria). Because of excessive urine production, the person has a tendency to become dehydrated and thirsty (polydipsia) (Seeley and Stephens, 2005). Even though blood glucose levels are high, fats and proteins are broken down to provide an energy source for metabolism, resulting in the wasting away of body tissues, acidosis and ketosis. They may also exhibit lack of
Being overweight or obese is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly, and can also cause high blood pressure. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) a major federally funded study of 3,234 people at high risk for diabetes, showed that moderate diet and exercise of about 30 minutes or more, 5 or more days per week, or of 150 or more minutes per week, resulting in a 5% to 7% weight loss can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes (Preventing Diabetes, 2015). Regular physical activity will help maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, as well as prevent chronic diseases (including type 2 diabetes). (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011). Physical activity has also been shown to improve glycemic control, decrease insulin resistance, lower blood pressure, and improve blood lipid levels, regardless of body