Diabetes is a chronic disorder that prevents the utilization of glucose, a molecule of high importance due to its use as an energy source by cells of the body. (CITATION 24) (FIGURE 67)
Diabetes is a chronic disorder that prevents the utilization of glucose, a molecule of high importance due to its use as an energy source by cells of the body. (CITATION 24) (FIGURE 67)
DIABETES
THE DIABETES FLIPBOOK
DIABETES
Diabetes is a chronic disorder that prevents the utilization of glucose, a molecule of high importance due to its use as an energy source by cells of the body. A hormone which stimulates uptake of glucose, called insulin, produced by β (beta) cells of the pancreas. In diabetics, β cells cannot produce and release insulin, resulting in overflowing of glucose in the patient's blood.
There are two types of diabetes: type I and type II. "Type I diabetes, is an autoimmune disease in which the white blood cells attack and destroy the β (beta) cells of the pancreas" (Panno 41). Type II diabetes is usually acquired due to improper dietary regulations, causing death or burn-out of the beta cells.
THE TWO TYPES
THE STEM CELL CURE
Although diabetes may be kept in check through daily insulin injections, scientists are looking for ways of possibly curing the disease. For example, researchers at the Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States have been successful in growing and differentiation of embryonic stem cells into β cells, that have been able to make and secrete insulin.
