Diabetes: Key Questions on Symptoms and Treatment

Q: Diabetes: Key Questions on Symptoms and Treatment

Hello, university student： If you are currently experiencing any symptoms of diabetes, the best solution is to visit a hospital for testing, as you may receive results on the same day. <br>Streptozotocin is used in medical research to establish animal models for Type 1 diabetes,

Some questions regarding diabetes?

Hello, doctor.
I am a university student majoring in biomedical sciences, and I am currently working on a paper discussion topic.
My report is about the use of Ephedra to treat hyperglycemia and oxidative stress caused by diabetes.
Initially, I noticed some symptoms of diabetes, such as dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, and increased hunger (I tend to feel snacky, not necessarily hungry but wanting to eat), along with slight weight loss (about 1-2 kg).
I began to worry that I might have a hereditary predisposition to diabetes, as both my grandmother and great-grandmother had diabetes, although my mother does not have it yet.
It could also be due to recent stress and hormonal imbalances, and I plan to undergo blood tests soon.

Additionally, I have some more academic questions: 1.
I saw in the paper that the authors induced diabetes in mice using STZ along with a standard diet.
If I am not mistaken, this type of induced diabetes should be Type 1.
However, in the experimental groups, besides the Ephedra group, there was also a group treated with Metformin as a positive control.
I found that Metformin is used to treat Type 2 diabetes, and it is generally not used for Type 1 diabetes in clinical practice, where insulin is typically administered.
What is the significance of this experimental design? 2.
It is often said that Type 1 diabetes patients tend to lose weight because gluconeogenesis utilizes proteins and fats, leading to weight loss.
However, the subsequent measurements included mouse body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
While the body weight of STZ-induced Type 1 mice decreased, the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL increased.
Is this due to oxidative stress, or is there another reason? Or could it be that prolonged exposure of blood vessels to high glucose levels causes vascular degeneration, making it difficult to transport cholesterol, leading to accumulation and higher levels? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to read my questions.
I appreciate your help.

Huái yí zì jǐ yǒu wú táng niào bìng de dàxué shēng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/21

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine

Hello, university student: If you are currently experiencing any symptoms of diabetes, the best solution is to visit a hospital for testing, as you may receive results on the same day.
Streptozotocin is used in medical research to establish animal models for Type 1 diabetes, while there are other methods to create animal models for Type 2 diabetes.
It is recommended to use homologous animal models, as they are less likely to be criticized.
When cellular metabolic efficiency is impaired, it can lead to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, which is why the blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels in experimental mice tend to rise significantly.
Wishing you good physical and mental health.

Dr.
Liu Hongxiang

Reply Date: 2024/04/21

More Info

Understanding diabetes is crucial, especially for those with a family history of the disease, as you mentioned regarding your grandmother and mother. The symptoms you described—excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and slight weight loss—are indeed classic signs of diabetes. These symptoms arise due to the body's inability to effectively utilize glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys excrete excess glucose through urine, which can cause dehydration and increased thirst. The body also breaks down fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss.

Regarding your academic inquiry about the use of streptozotocin (STZ) in inducing diabetes in mice, you are correct that STZ is typically used to create a model for Type 1 diabetes. This is because STZ selectively destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency. The inclusion of Metformin as a positive control in a study primarily focused on Type 1 diabetes may seem unusual, but it could serve several purposes. Researchers might be interested in comparing the effects of different treatments on hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, regardless of the diabetes type. Metformin, while primarily used for Type 2 diabetes, has been studied for its potential benefits in Type 1 diabetes as well, particularly regarding its effects on insulin sensitivity and weight management.

As for your second question about the paradox of weight loss in Type 1 diabetes alongside rising cholesterol and triglyceride levels, this can be attributed to several factors. In Type 1 diabetes, the lack of insulin leads to increased lipolysis (fat breakdown) and gluconeogenesis (glucose production from non-carbohydrate sources), which can result in weight loss. However, the body may also experience increased levels of free fatty acids in the bloodstream, which can be converted into triglycerides by the liver, leading to elevated triglyceride levels. Additionally, chronic hyperglycemia can lead to dyslipidemia, characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This dyslipidemia is often exacerbated by oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes.

The accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides, despite weight loss, can also be linked to insulin resistance, which may develop over time even in Type 1 diabetes. Insulin plays a critical role in lipid metabolism, and its deficiency can disrupt normal lipid processing, leading to increased levels of circulating lipids. Furthermore, chronic high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, impairing their ability to transport lipids effectively, which could contribute to the observed elevations in cholesterol and triglycerides.

In summary, your concerns about diabetes symptoms and the implications of your family history are valid. It is wise to consult with a healthcare professional for blood tests to assess your glucose levels and overall metabolic health. Understanding the complexities of diabetes, including the mechanisms behind weight changes and lipid profiles, can provide valuable insights into managing the condition effectively. Regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and appropriate medical interventions are key components in preventing and managing diabetes.

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