Pancreas

PANCREAS

Pancreas and its Hormones:

The pancreas comprises both exocrine and endocrine parts. The endocrine part consists of small masses of hormone secreting cells called ISLETS OF LANGERHANS.

 

Failure of insulin secretion produces Diabetes mellitus.

In this disease, blood sugar is abnormally high and exceeds the renal threshold for glucose.

Consequently, glucose appears in the urine (glucosuria).

The utilisation of glucose is decreased; instead, catabolism of fats and proteins are enhanced.

Increased oxidation of fat produces ketone bodies such as acetoacetate and acetone.

Also the blood cholesterol rises.

The osmotic effect of glucose in the urine considerably increases the volume of urine (polyuria).

Thirst is enhanced due to urinary loss of water.

Injuries take a long time to heal and may turn into gangrenes.

In extreme cases, the patient suffers from coma and may die.

Administration of insulin reduces the blood sugar and checks other symptoms of diabetes.

Concept Builder

Diabetes Mellitus (Type–I): It is insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and also known as juvenile onset diabetes because it most commonly develops in people younger than 20. It is an autoimmune disorder in which immune system destroys β cells.

Diabetes mellitus (Type–II): It is non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It is also known as maturity onset diabetes because it occurs later in life. It arises not from shortage of insulin but because of target cells became less sensitive to insulin.