Directions: Read the case below under Introduction and Physiology. Then, answer the questions below.
INTRODUCTION: Dale is a 52 year old male with type 2 diabetes. He is an infrequent exerciser and enjoys sitting on his couch eating nothing but hostess cupcakes and doctor pepper. He was diagnosed with diabetes at 12 and started smoking at 17. Instead of being active, eating healthy, and checking his glucose levels he decides to stay home and watch his favorite tv shows all day. He loves gossip girl and Pretty little liars. He binges both shows along with consuming multiple meals everyday. Never checking his levels and always just eating sugar and guessing.
Dale has been complaining of being tired all the time even though he has gotten a full night of rest. He has also been experiencing pain in his arms and legs. At first he just attributes it to “getting old,” but as time goes on he finds the pain just gets worse. He finds that he is hot most days and when he goes to check his temperature he does in fact have a fever, but just a low one. So he thinks nothing of it.
Then he notices that some days that his arms and legs are not only in pain but slightly swollen, warm, and inflamed.
PHYSIOLOGY:
The stated problem of Dale’s type 2 diabetes affects several organs and systems in his body. Specifically, it affects the pancreas, which is responsible for producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces. This results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood, which can lead to damage in various organs. One of the major organs affected by type 2 diabetes is the cardiovascular system. High levels of glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries) and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. This could explain Dale’s complaints of pain in his arms and legs, as well as the swelling and inflammation he notices on some days.
Additionally, the kidneys can be affected by type 2 diabetes. The condition can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste products from the blood. This can lead to kidney disease or kidney failure. Dale’s constant tiredness could be a result of decreased kidney function. Furthermore, uncontrolled diabetes can also impact the immune system. High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Dale’s recurrent low-grade fever may be a result of his weakened immune system, making it difficult for his body to fight off infections.
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
1. What is the role of the pancreas in maintaining glucose levels in the body?
2. How does type 2 diabetes affect the cardiovascular system?
3. What are the potential consequences of damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys?
4. How does uncontrolled diabetes impact the immune system’s ability to fight infections?
1. The role of the pancreas in maintaining glucose levels in the body is to produce insulin. Insulin helps regulate the amount of glucose in the blood by allowing it to enter cells and be used for energy.
2. Type 2 diabetes can affect the cardiovascular system by causing damage to the blood vessels. Elevated levels of glucose in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys can have several potential consequences. It can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, leading to kidney disease or kidney failure. It can also increase the risk of high blood pressure and fluid retention.
4. Uncontrolled diabetes can weaken the immune system's ability to fight infections. High blood sugar levels can suppress the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections. This can lead to recurrent or chronic infections and difficulty in effectively fighting off pathogens.