What does the lack of insulin affect?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. Its primary role is to allow glucose to enter cells and be used as energy. Without enough insulin, several critical bodily functions are affected:
1. Glucose Uptake: Insulin allows cells in muscles, fat tissue, and other organs to take in glucose from the bloodstream. In the absence of insulin, these cells cannot efficiently absorb glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
2. Glycogen Synthesis: Insulin promotes the storage of excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When insulin is deficient, glycogen synthesis is impaired, resulting in an inability to store glucose properly.
3. Gluconeogenesis and Glycogenolysis Inhibited: Insulin inhibits the production of glucose in the liver (gluconeogenesis) and the breakdown of glycogen (glycogenolysis). Without insulin, these processes continue unchecked, further elevating blood sugar levels.
4. Lipolysis and Ketogenesis Increased: Insulin suppresses the release of fatty acids from fat cells (lipolysis) and inhibits the production of ketone bodies in the liver (ketogenesis). In an insulin-deficient state, lipolysis and ketogenesis are accelerated, leading to increased fatty acid levels and ketone bodies in the blood.
5. Protein Synthesis: Insulin promotes protein synthesis and inhibits protein degradation. Without insulin, protein synthesis is reduced, and protein breakdown is enhanced, resulting in a loss of muscle mass and overall tissue breakdown.
6. Electrolyte Disturbances: Severe insulin deficiency can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium levels) and hyponatremia (low sodium levels).
7. Dehydration: Hyperglycemia causes the kidneys to excrete more water in an attempt to dilute the high glucose concentration. Frequent urination and excessive fluid loss can lead to dehydration.
8. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS): In severe insulin deficiency, especially in type 1 diabetes, a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur. DKA involves high blood sugar, ketosis, and dehydration. In contrast, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a condition characterized by extremely high blood sugar but without significant ketosis. Both DKA and HHS require prompt medical attention.