Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes 


  = Unable to produce insulin.

  • Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans don't produce insulin.
  • Condition arises as a result of an autoimmune response
  • Condition normally begins in childhood
  • No cure, only treat symptoms
• Type 2 diabetes 


  = Cant effectively use insulin and control blood sugar levels.

  • Either because the persons beta cells don't produce enough insulin or a persons body cells don't respond properly to insulin.
  • Often because the glycoprotein insulin receptor on the cell membrane doesn't work properly.
  • They don't take up enough glucose
  • As a result of excess body weight, physical inactivity.
• Symptoms of diabetes

  • High blood glucose concentration
  • Glucose present in urine
  • Excessive need to urinate
  • Excessive thirst
  • Constant hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Burred vision
  • Tiredness
• Insulin from animals 


  = Obtained from pancreas of cows and pigs, difficult and expensive, could cause allergic reactions
• Insulin made by genetically modified bacteria 


  = Less likely to cause allergic reactions, can be produced in much higher quantities, cheaper, ethical issues are overcome.
• Transplant 


  = High demand, risk of taking immunosuppressants (more susceptible to infection) dont need to control sugar levels.
• Stem cells


  = Donor availability not an issue, reduced likelihood of rejection problems, no longer need to inject insulin. However ability to control growth and differentiation in stem cells is limited, might form tumours.