NURSING 3PA2 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Glycogenolysis, Proinsulin, Hemoglobin
Document Summary
Fat, glucose and protein metabolism are key concepts to understand in relation to diabetes mellitus. Glucose is a 6-carbon molecule that is a very efficient fuel that breaks down into co2 and h2o when metabolized with the presence of oxygen. The brain and nervous system rely almost solely on glucose as a fuel source. Other tissues and organ systems can use other non-carbohydrate fuel sources such as fatty acids and ketones. The brain is unable to synthesize glucose or store more than a few minutes of glucose supply, therefore a constant supply of glucose from the circulatory system is needed to maintain normal cerebral function. Blood glucose is regulated between 4. 4-5. 0mmol/l in a non-diabetic individual. Insulin is secreted by the pancreatic beta cells in response raising blood glucose levels. After a meal is digested approximately 2/3 of glucose ingested is stored within the liver as glycogen.
