Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus - a genetically programmed failure of the beta cell to compensate for insulin resistance

Article Abstract:

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is probably caused by both insulin resistance and the poor functioning of pancreatic beta cells due to gene mutations. Animal studies have shown that beta cell failure may be due to mutations in the obesity gene and abnormal growth of the islet tissue of the pancreas. In human beings beta cell failure appears to precede the symptoms of diabetes. Such beta cell failure may be indicated by extremely high levels of glucose in the blood after a large intake of glucose, which would normally trigger compensatory insulin production. Studies have also shown that mutations of the MODY1 and glucokinase genes may be associated a poor insulin response to such glucose loading. However, genetic research has not been able to show that all types of NIDDM are caused by mutations of a particular gene. This is because NIDDM is probably caused by a combination of genetic variables and environmental variables, such as diet and exercise.

Type 2 diabetes

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Brief report: impaired processing of prohormones associated with abnormalities of glucose homeostasis and adrenal function

Article Abstract:

Abnormal levels of insulin and adrenal hormones may lead to poor glucose regulation and be caused by an inability to process the precursors of various hormones. A 43-year-old woman had abnormally low blood sugar after eating, had been obese as a child, and only began ovulating after receiving gonadotropins. Although her insulin genes were normal, she had low levels of insulin in her blood, but high levels of insulin precursors. Similarly, she had low levels of cortisol and corticotropin, but high levels of the precursors of these hormones. She also had slightly low levels of sex hormones and certain thyroid hormones. These results suggest that she may have had a genetic abnormality that affected one or both of the prohormone convertase enzymes used to process hormone precursors.

Hormones, Glucose metabolism, Hypoglycemia

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Molecular mechanisms and clinical pathophysiology of maturity-onset diabetes of the young

Article Abstract:

A review of the gene mutations that cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is presented. At least six different genes are affected, and all of them are expressed in pancreatic beta cells, the cells that produce insulin.

Health aspects, Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Genetic aspects, Juvenile diabetes, Diabetes in children

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