Islet-cell abnormalities in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus have enlarged islets of Langerhans, an increased number of insulin-secreting beta cells, and a "horseshoe-shaped" relationship between plasma insulin and glucose levels. To some extent, beta-cell dysfunction in patients with type II diabetes is reversible with appropriate hypoglycemic therapy. Defects in the glucagon-secreting alpha cells in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus include basal hyperglucagonemia, an exaggerated glucagon response to aminogenic stimuli, and hyposuppressibility of glucagon by hyperglycemia. Although peripheral resistance to insulin may play a role in type II diabetes, defects in islet-cell function clearly play a significant role as well.
D000409:Alanine; D001120:Arginine; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000494:pharmacology; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D005934:Glucagon / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D007328:Insulin; D005934:Glucagon; D001120:Arginine; D000409:Alanine