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Understanding Diabetes: Causes, Effects, and Treatments
O
Olivia
@oliviag
1 / 4
Understanding Diabetes Types and Causes
Diabetes mellitus happens when your blood glucose levels go haywire - either shooting too high (hyperglycaemia) or dropping too low (hypoglycaemia). Think of it like a broken thermostat that can't maintain the right temperature.
Type 1 diabetes is basically your immune system turning against you. Your body's defence system mistakenly attacks the β cells in your pancreas that make insulin, leaving you with little to no insulin production. This typically hits children and young adults, especially if diabetes runs in the family.
Type 2 diabetes works differently - your pancreas still makes insulin, but your body cells become stubborn and stop responding to it properly. The insulin receptors don't function correctly, so glucose can't get into cells where it's needed. This type usually develops later in life and is strongly linked to obesity and certain ethnic backgrounds.
Remember: Type 1 = no insulin production, Type 2 = insulin resistance
Managing Diabetes Through Treatment
Type 1 diabetes requires immediate action since your body produces zero insulin. Insulin therapy is non-negotiable - you'll need regular insulin injections or an insulin pump that continuously delivers insulin through a tube under your skin. Some patients can get islet cell transplants from donors, though they'll still need supplemental insulin.
Managing blood glucose becomes a daily balancing act. You'll need to monitor levels constantly using skin prick tests, especially around meals and exercise. Too much insulin causes dangerous hypoglycaemia, whilst too little leaves glucose dangerously high.
Type 2 diabetes treatment starts with lifestyle changes - a controlled diet and regular exercise to shed excess weight. If that's not enough, doctors prescribe medications that either reduce glucose release from your liver, stimulate more insulin production, or make your cells more sensitive to insulin.
Key insight: Exercise and balanced eating can actually reduce the amount of insulin therapy needed for both types
Modern Insulin Production and Stem Cell Research
Forget the old days of extracting insulin from slaughtered pigs and cows - today's genetically modified bacteria produce pure human insulin in massive quantities. This breakthrough means fewer allergic reactions, cheaper production costs, and no ethical concerns about animal products.
The bacteria are essentially turned into tiny insulin factories, churning out large amounts of the hormone in laboratory vats. It's brilliant for people who object to animal-derived medicines and provides a much more reliable supply chain.
Stem cell therapy represents the holy grail of diabetes treatment - a potential cure rather than lifelong management. Scientists can grow stem cells into β cells and implant them into diabetic pancreases, potentially restoring normal insulin production.
However, this treatment faces significant hurdles. Some people have ethical objections to using embryonic stem cells, viewing it as destroying potential life. There's also uncertainty about whether stem cells might increase tumour risks due to their unpredictable growth patterns.
Future focus: Stem cell research could eliminate the need for daily insulin injections entirely
Key Differences and Similarities
Both diabetes types share the same fundamental problem - blood glucose levels become dangerously high and insufficient glucose gets stored as glycogen. Your body's energy management system essentially breaks down, though for different reasons.
The crucial difference lies in the underlying cause. Type 1 involves damaged β cells that can't produce insulin at all, whilst Type 2 features perfectly functional β cells but unresponsive body cells that ignore insulin signals.
Treatment approaches reflect these different causes. Type 1 requires immediate insulin injections since there's no natural production, whereas Type 2 starts with dietary control and exercise to improve insulin sensitivity. Age of onset also differs significantly - Type 1 typically appears in childhood or young adulthood, whilst Type 2 develops later due to lifestyle factors.
Exam tip: Remember that Type 1 = autoimmune destruction, Type 2 = insulin resistance
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Diabetes: Causes, Effects, and Treatments
O
Olivia
@oliviag
When your body can't properly control blood sugar levels, you've got diabetes mellitus - a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the two main types and their treatments is crucial for A-level Biology and could help you recognise... Show more
Understanding Diabetes Types and Causes
Diabetes mellitus happens when your blood glucose levels go haywire - either shooting too high (hyperglycaemia) or dropping too low (hypoglycaemia). Think of it like a broken thermostat that can't maintain the right temperature.
Type 1 diabetes is basically your immune system turning against you. Your body's defence system mistakenly attacks the β cells in your pancreas that make insulin, leaving you with little to no insulin production. This typically hits children and young adults, especially if diabetes runs in the family.
Type 2 diabetes works differently - your pancreas still makes insulin, but your body cells become stubborn and stop responding to it properly. The insulin receptors don't function correctly, so glucose can't get into cells where it's needed. This type usually develops later in life and is strongly linked to obesity and certain ethnic backgrounds.
Remember: Type 1 = no insulin production, Type 2 = insulin resistance
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Managing Diabetes Through Treatment
Type 1 diabetes requires immediate action since your body produces zero insulin. Insulin therapy is non-negotiable - you'll need regular insulin injections or an insulin pump that continuously delivers insulin through a tube under your skin. Some patients can get islet cell transplants from donors, though they'll still need supplemental insulin.
Managing blood glucose becomes a daily balancing act. You'll need to monitor levels constantly using skin prick tests, especially around meals and exercise. Too much insulin causes dangerous hypoglycaemia, whilst too little leaves glucose dangerously high.
Type 2 diabetes treatment starts with lifestyle changes - a controlled diet and regular exercise to shed excess weight. If that's not enough, doctors prescribe medications that either reduce glucose release from your liver, stimulate more insulin production, or make your cells more sensitive to insulin.
Key insight: Exercise and balanced eating can actually reduce the amount of insulin therapy needed for both types
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Modern Insulin Production and Stem Cell Research
Forget the old days of extracting insulin from slaughtered pigs and cows - today's genetically modified bacteria produce pure human insulin in massive quantities. This breakthrough means fewer allergic reactions, cheaper production costs, and no ethical concerns about animal products.
The bacteria are essentially turned into tiny insulin factories, churning out large amounts of the hormone in laboratory vats. It's brilliant for people who object to animal-derived medicines and provides a much more reliable supply chain.
Stem cell therapy represents the holy grail of diabetes treatment - a potential cure rather than lifelong management. Scientists can grow stem cells into β cells and implant them into diabetic pancreases, potentially restoring normal insulin production.
However, this treatment faces significant hurdles. Some people have ethical objections to using embryonic stem cells, viewing it as destroying potential life. There's also uncertainty about whether stem cells might increase tumour risks due to their unpredictable growth patterns.
Future focus: Stem cell research could eliminate the need for daily insulin injections entirely
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Differences and Similarities
Both diabetes types share the same fundamental problem - blood glucose levels become dangerously high and insufficient glucose gets stored as glycogen. Your body's energy management system essentially breaks down, though for different reasons.
The crucial difference lies in the underlying cause. Type 1 involves damaged β cells that can't produce insulin at all, whilst Type 2 features perfectly functional β cells but unresponsive body cells that ignore insulin signals.
Treatment approaches reflect these different causes. Type 1 requires immediate insulin injections since there's no natural production, whereas Type 2 starts with dietary control and exercise to improve insulin sensitivity. Age of onset also differs significantly - Type 1 typically appears in childhood or young adulthood, whilst Type 2 develops later due to lifestyle factors.
Exam tip: Remember that Type 1 = autoimmune destruction, Type 2 = insulin resistance
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Most popular content: Blood Glucose
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user