Question

14. Insulin resistance influence insulin production over time. In the early phases if insulin resistance, are blood levels of insulin higher or lower than "normal"? 15. Describe a. How does metformin control blood sugar? b. How does Metformin impact risk of hypoglycemia c. How doe Metformin impact risk of weight gain?

Answer 1

Insulin  

Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that regulates carbohydrates metabolism.

Insulin resistance : It is a condition characterised by a resistance to hormone insulin by the cells in body fat, liver and muscles that leads to increase in blood sugar level.

  

15. Metformin : It is an oral drug, used for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus.

a) Metformin is an oral antihyperglcemic drug. Metformin decreases blood sugar level through the three main actions such as;

* decreases absorption of glucose from intestine

* decreases glucose production from the liver cells (Gluconeogenesis)

* Increases peripheral glucose utilization and intake by cells by increasing the insulin sensitivity of cells.

Metformin decreases both fasting and postprandial blood sugar level .

b) Metformin does not produce hypoglycemia as it is not stimulating the body to produce more insulin. Chances of getting hypoglycemia is very less in patients,who take metformin. Even in normal people, metformin doesn't produce hypoglycemia. Metformin does not stimulate insulin production in the body instead it works by inhibiting Gluconeogenesis in liver and peripheral glucose uptake by cells.

c) Metformin and weight gain

Metformin use will not cause weight gain in patients when comparing with other antihyperglcemic agents. Metformin impact the risk of weight gain by;

* decreasing the appetite , so the patient eats less

* healthy diet and exercise along with metformin treatment reduces the body weight

* Increases the uptake of sugar by muscles and liver, and prevents lipolysis resulting in less fatty acids in the body.

14. Insulin resistance influence insulin production over time. In the early phases if insulin resistance, are blood levels of insulin higher or lower than normal?

Answer: high blood insulin level.

In the early phases of insulin resistance, the cells are resistant to insulin,as a result of this,the cells are unable to take up or use sugar from blood. This in turn leads to high levels of blood sugar. High blood sugar level increases the production of insulin from beta cells of pancreas, resulting in high level of insulin in the blood or hyperinsulinemia.