Introduction to Diabetes Homeostasis Internal stability within the body Metabolic processes occur within normal ranges Homeostasis disrupted = disease or illness Example: Diabetes What is Insulin? Very Important Protein (hormone) Regulates glucose entering cells Created by the Pancreas Controls blood sugar Lack of insulin function = Diabetes So What? Without insulin, cells do not take in the glucose they need for energy. If the cell becomes resistant to insulin (type 2 diabetes) it has the same effect as if there was not insulin present; the cells do not take in glucose from the blood. Who Gets Diabetes? 20.6 Million Americans have it! 1 in 250 Americans Pictures from Microsoft Clip Art: Answer? Anyone Can!! Pictures from Microsoft Clip Art: Types of Diabetes Type 1: Insulin-Deficient Diabetes old name: Juvenile Diabetes Type 2: Insulin-Resistant Diabetes old name: Adult Onset Diabetes Did You Know. Worldwide: ,000,000 known to be diabetic ,000,000 expected to be diabetic 2005 1 million people died from diabetes Did You Know In the U.S 17,702,000 known to be diabetic 2030 30,317,000 expected 1/3 of adults do not know they have it $132 billion health care cost age of onset getting younger Did You Know 50% of diabetics will have heart disease 12% of diabetics will suffer serious vision loss early on 75% of diabetics will suffer serious vision loss after 15 years 1/10 of U.S. health care dollars are spent to treat diabetes The Good News Better treatments Earlier diagnosis Proactive early intervention techniques New Research But: There is no cure. Yet! Understanding Diabetes Look at role of: Food Macromolecules Metabolism Feedback loops Blood sugar concentration Insulin