Biochemistry of Diabetes & Why It’s Increasing in India
Biochemistry of Diabetes & Why It’s Increasing in India Diabetes mellitus is one of the most significant metabolic disorders affecting India today. At its core, diabetes is a condition of impaired glucose homeostasis , resulting either from insufficient insulin production or reduced tissue response to insulin. Understanding the biochemical basis of diabetes helps explain both how the disease develops and why its prevalence is rising rapidly in India. I. Biochemistry of Diabetes 1. Role of Insulin in Glucose Homeostasis Insulin, produced by the β-cells of the pancreas , is central to regulating blood glucose levels. Its major biochemical actions: In the liver Decreases gluconeogenesis Promotes glycogen synthesis Inhibits glycogen breakdown In muscle Facilitates glucose uptake via GLUT-4 transporters Enhances glycogen formation and protein synthesis In adipose tissue Stimulates lipogenesis Inhibits hormone-sensitive lipase, reduci...