Download Diabetes and human insulin production answers

Diabetes
What does being a diabetic mean?
In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot make insulin. This vital hormone helps the body's cells convert
sugar into energy. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood and can reach dangerous levels. To avoid life-threatening
complications, people with type 1 diabetes must take some form of insulin for their entire lives. In type 1 diabetes,
the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin . Described as a
metabolic disorder in which your body cannot properly store and use fuel for energy.
How do you know if you are diabetic?
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to come on suddenly and may include: Feeling more thirsty than
usual, Dry mouth, Fruity breath, Frequent urination. As blood sugar levels remain high, type 1 diabetes
often leads to: Unintentional weight loss, Increase in appetite, Lack of energy, drowsiness. Many people
with type 1 diabetes experience uncomfortable skin conditions, including: Bacterial infections, Fungal
infections, Itching, dry skin, poor circulation
Simple blood tests can diagnose diabetes, the doctor analyses your blood sugar levels after taking some
sugar. Also sugar in your urine is a sign of diabetes.
What is the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes?
Your body makes too little or no insulin. This is called type 1 diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes. Your
body can not use the insulin it makes. This is called type 2 diabetes, non-insulin dependent diabetes. In most
cases of type 1 diabetes, the patient would need to inherit risk factors from both parents. Type 2 diabetes has a stronger link to
family history and lineage than type 1.
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ss/slideshow-type-1-diabetes-overview
How does your blood sugar vary during the day? – use this animation http://www.abpischools.org.uk/page/modules/diabetes/diabetes5.cfm?coSiteNavigation_allTopic=1
After a meal, the level rises as glucose is absorbed from digested food. Non-diabetics are able to store this
excess glucose and their blood glucose level is returned back to normal. Type 1 and type 2 diabetics
cannot store this glucose and their blood glucose levels remain above normal between meals. As diabetics
are unable to store glucose in the liver, if they miss a meal, or are very active, the glucose in the blood
becomes depleted. There is no store in the liver to release glucose and so levels can fall dangerously low.
Glucose levels can drop after exercise as this is used up.
Complete the table on the key differences and symptoms of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia
hyperglycaemia
hypoglycaemia
Differences
Blood glucose above normal
Blood glucose below normal
symptoms
Damage to blood vessels and kidneys,
Prolonged raised levels can lead to limb
amputations and blindness
In severe cases, loss of
consciousness. Easily treated by
medical personnel if noticed
quickly. Dangerous if left
untreated, Tiredness, Weight loss
How are type 1 and 2 diabetes treated?
Type 1 diabetes treatment
Insulin injections can successfully treat type 1 diabetes.
The hormone allows the liver, and other cells in the body,
to take in and store glucose normally. Researchers have
developed different types of insulin medications. Some
act quickly but for only a short period of time. Others
take effect more slowly but last longer. Diabetics may
take combinations of these insulins to regulate their
blood glucose level over a 24-hour period. A balanced
diet and regular meals are important in managing type 1
diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes treatment
Type 2 diabetes generally happens in the over 40's
and can be treated using combinations of
medicines, insulin, diet control and exercise.
Healthy dietRegular meals with foods that contain
starch (bread, pasta, potatoes and rice). Reduce
sugary foods like carbonated drinks, cakes and
sweets. If obese, losing weight will help to control
the disorder. Medicines stimulate the production of
insulin from the pancreas. Make body cells more
sensitive to the insulin that is available. Slow the
absorption of glucose from the digestive system.
Regular exercise Helps the body to regulate its
blood glucose levels. Reduces weight. Improves
blood pressure and lessens the chances of
circulation problems.
Genetic engineering to produce human insulin
http://www.abpischools.org.uk/page/modules/diabetes/diabetes6.cfm?coSiteNavigation_allTopic=1
Using the link above produce a flow diagram (with drawings) on how insulin is produced using bacteria in 5 key steps:
Bacterium and plasmid which is a small
piece of DNA
Engineered plasmid inserted into new
bacterium
Plasmid is removed from cell and piece is
cut by an enzyme
Human insulin gene is inserted into
plasmid
Bacterium divides and produces new insulin, bacteria produced in fermentation
vessels. When the fermentation is complete, the mixture containing the bacteria is
harvested. The bacteria are filtered off and broken open to release the insulin they
have produced. It is then purified and packaged into bottles for distribution.
How was insulin obtained before?
For many years, insulin was obtained by purifying it from the pancreas of cows and pigs slaughtered for food. This was
expensive, difficult and the insulin could cause allergic reactions
What are the advantages of genetically engineering microbes to produce insulin?
They produce human insulin in a pure form that is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It is cheaper and easier. The
insulin can be modified and controlled to how the manufacturer wants it.