HPR205 Week 3 – Discussion

Choose one of the CDC’s five most common chronic diseases (heart disease, stroke, cancer,
diabetes, or arthritis) and describe the anatomical and physiological changes associated with
the endocrine system.  Describe the normal function of the system and how the disease alters
the normal function.  List signs and symptoms that indicate the disease has developed,
specific to the system is covered.  Identify and describe steps people can take to reduce their
risk of developing chronic disease.
Hello class, I have chosen diabetes mellitus as the condition that I will discuss. The
endocrine system constitutes a series of organs and glands that secrete hormones into the
bloodstream (Colbert, Ankney, & Lee, 2013). Some of the most important endocrine glands
are the pancreas, sweat, and salivary glands. One disorder associated with the endocrine
system is diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a condition that is characterized by higher
than normal levels of blood sugar. Individuals with diabetes mellitus report several
symptoms, including increased appetite and frequent urination. If left untreated, diabetes
mellitus could result in several life-threatening conditions such as chronic kidney disease and
cognitive impairment (Colbert, Ankney, & Lee, 2013). In order to understand diabetes
mellitus, one has to understand the functioning of the pancreas.
The pancreas is an organ that is responsible for maintaining normal blood sugar
levels. The normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 to 105 milligrams per deciliter. The
pancreas possesses the ability to measure blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar exceeds or is
below the normal limit, the pancreas produces a hormone that corrects the situation. The
pancreas releases two hormones, namely insulin, and glucagon. The two are produced by
specialized cells in the pancreas. The specialized cells in the pancreas are referred to as islets
of Langerhans. There are four varieties of cells in the pancreas. The alpha cell is involved in

the production of the hormone glucagon. The beta cell is involved in the production of the
hormone insulin. The delta cell secrets somatostatin. The PP cell produces the pancreatic
polypeptide hormone. When the blood glucose levels fall below the set limit, the pancreatic
cells produce glucagon. On the other hand, when the blood glucose levels exceed the stated
limits, insulin is produced.
Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into the cells of the body. Food in the intestine
triggers insulinotropic peptide that, in turn, triggers the release of insulin. After the absorption
of nutrients, the spike in blood glucose levels also results in insulin secretion. Insulin also
helps ensure a reduction in blood glucose levels through the stimulation of glycolysis.
Glycolysis is the method through which glucose is metabolized to ATP. It also stimulates the
liver to convert excess glucose into fats for storage purposes. Insulin also promotes
triglyceride and protein synthesis. Insulin secretion is regulated by a negative feedback
mechanism. As the blood glucose levels decline, the release of insulin is inhibited.
Diabetes mellitus is a result of the dysfunction in insulin production and secretion.
Dysfunction of the target cell responsiveness can also result in diabetes mellitus. Diabetes
mellitus has become a common disease, with over 18 million adults in the United States
being diagnosed with the disease. There are two forms of diabetes mellitus, namely, type 1
and type 2 diabetes (Peschke, 2008). Type 1 diabetes affects the beta cells of the pancreas.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes have beta cells that do not produce insulin. The implication
is that the body is thus unable to regulate the blood glucose levels in case there is a spike.
Type 2 diabetes is common and accounts for close to 95 percent of all diabetes cases. Type 2
diabetes results in cells becoming resistant to insulin (Peschke, 2008). The pancreas responds
by increasing insulin secretion. Over time, the beta cells get exhausted after being
overworked.

Signs and Symptoms of the Disease
Symptoms of early manifestation of the disease include excessive urination as well as
excessive thirst. When the blood glucose level is left uncontrolled, it can affect the kidney
function. Kidneys play a vital role in eliminating waste products from the blood. With excess
blood glucose, water is drawn into the urine. The individual thus eliminates high amounts of
urine (Peschke, 2008). The use of large amounts of water to eliminate waste results in the
body being dehydrated. The body needs to refill the water that has been passed out as urine.
The result is excess thirst as the body seeks to rehydrate. One may also feel hungry since the
body cells are unable to access the glucose, and this means that one may also feel exhausted.
In the long run, the high glucose levels may result in injuries on various body tissues.
Blood vessels, as well as nerves, are affected by the high glucose levels. Blood vessels may
become inflamed, and the linings of arteries can also be injured (Peschke, 2008). The result is
that one may get atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart attack as well as stroke.
Kidneys may also be damaged if the blood sugar levels are not addressed. The reduced blood
flow to various organs may also result in nerve damage, which could also result in loss of
sensation.
Steps to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is largely a lifestyle disease. One of the steps that one can take is to
ensure that they cut on their sugar consumption. Eating too many sugary foods can put one at
risk of developing diabetes (Peschke, 2008). When one takes too much sugar, it is absorbed
by the body and into the bloodstream. The pancreas is forced to produce insulin to ensure that
the sugar levels are brought back to normal. Over time, the body may be unable to produce
insulin, or the cells may be resistant to the insulin produced. It is, therefore, important to
ensure that one limits their sugar consumption. Another step that one can take is working out

on a regular basis. Exercise helps burn excess sugars. It also helps ensure that the sensitivity
of the cells to insulin is increased (Peschke, 2008). In individuals who have prediabetes,
moderate to vigorous exercise can help ensure that the cells in the body do not become
resistant to insulin. It is also important to take water as the primary beverage. Sticking to
water helps eliminate the need to take other beverages that could have added sugars.

Reference

Colbert, B. J., Ankney, J., & Lee. K. T. (2013). Anatomy, physiology, & disease: An
interactive journey for health professionals (2nd ed.). Boston: MA. Pearson
Education.
Peschke, E. (2008). Melatonin, endocrine pancreas and diabetes. Journal of pineal
research, 44(1), 26-40.