What Are The Defects Of Insulin And The Effects On Glucose Metabolism?

Posted on Sun, 15 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Sep 2013 Answered on

Tue, 1 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : what are the defects in insulin and the effects on glucose metabolism with someone who is type I insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Destruction of insulin secreting cells in pancreas

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Thanks for your query.

The basic defect in the individuals with Type I diabetes mellitus is: Destruction of insulin secreting cells in pancreas.

Insulin is required for regulating the blood glucose level.
And absence of this hormone causes increase in blood glucose levels (known as Hyperglycemia) resulting in the classical symptoms of diabetes mellitus like increased frequency of urination, increased thirst & hunger, fatigue, etc.
If the blood glucose levels are not controlled, then with due course of time it causes damage to the vital organs like Heart, Kidney, Eyes & Nervous system.

As the body is not able to produce insulin, such individuals need insulin injections (hence called insulin dependent) along with diet & lifestyle modifications to optimize the blood glucose levels.
The dosage is determined by taking into consideration the values of fasting & postprandial blood glucose & clinical examinations to rule out any organ damage.

Hope I have been able to answer your query.
If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us.
I will be happy to answer them.

Wishing you a Good Health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj