Glucagon and Insulin

Today in class what we discussed was mainly about Diabetes. I admired the bravery of Mrs. Rahman and Hannah about telling their story of living with diabetes. I gained new knowledge of diabetes and how it can be treated. With Hannah's story, which she lives with type 1 diabetes, told the class that she usually checks her blood levels 10 times a day. Some symptoms that she feels when there is an imbalance of blood levels are weakness, loss of balance, and poor concentration/focus. When there is a low level (lower than 80), she feels dehydrated, but not hungry. When she has high blood levels (about 200), she feels thirsty and hungry. Hannah also explained what the average teenager's blood levels should be, which are between 80-140. As for her treatment, she needs an insulin pump, which is attached to her stomach via needle. The insulin pump acts as an artificial pancreas, and she said that she doesn't need insulin shots.

As for Mrs. Rahman's case, she has type 2 diabetes. Mrs. Rahman was diagnosed with gestational diabetes when she gave birth, but it went away, and then it came back since her diet caused diabetes to return. Mrs. Rahman takes two pills a day and can't eat any sweets.

Our class conclusion:

• Blood glucose levels are regulated by glucagon and insulin.
• Insulin is secreted when blood glucose levels are high and glucagon is secreted when blood glucagon levels are low. 
• Type 1 diabetes results from lack of insulin production, more linked with hereditary, and is treated with insulin shots, insulin pumps, and proper diet. 
• Type 2 diabetes results from hereditary, resistance to insulin, and obesity. It is treated with insulin shots, diet, exercise, and medication.