About Metformin Drug|| Diabetes|| UPSC Current Affairs.

Description

METFORMIN AND DIABETES

Source: IndianExpress

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Context

Metformin, an inexpensive diabetes drug, slows ageing in male monkeys, particularly in their brain, according to a new study.

About Metformin

Metformin is a well-known drug for managing type 2 diabetes.
It is derived from the compound guanidine found in Goat’s Rue, and has been used to treat type 2 diabetes since the 1950s.
It is an herbal medicine long used in Europe.
It is most known for improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels.
It helps in reducing the risk of cancer and slowing aging in organisms like worms, rodents, and flies.

About Diabetes

Aspect	Description
*Definition*	●Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels.
*Types of Diabetes*	●Type 1: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. ●Type 2: The body becomes resistant to insulin. ●Gestational: Occurs during pregnancy.
*Causes*	●Type 1: Genetic and autoimmune factors. ●Type 2: Lifestyle factors (obesity, inactivity), genetics. ●Gestational: Hormonal changes during pregnancy combined with genetics.
*Common Symptoms*	●Increased thirst (polydipsia) ●Frequent urination (polyuria) ●Unexplained weight loss ●Fatigue ●Blurred vision
*Prevention*	●Type 1: No known prevention. Managed by Insulin injections or pump therapy. ●Type 2: Healthy lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can help reduce risk.
*Insulin*	A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps cells absorb glucose from the blood for energy. In diabetes, insulin is either insufficient (Type 1) or the body becomes resistant to it (Type 2).

Must read on Diabetes: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/diabetes

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Consider the following statements in reference to Insulin:

1.Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas.

2.Insulin facilitates the absorption of glucose into liver cells, where it is stored as glycogen.

3.Insulin resistance is commonly associated with Type 1 diabetes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b

Explanation:

1^st statement is correct: Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The beta cells are specifically responsible for synthesizing and secreting insulin.

2^nd statement is correct: Insulin does facilitate the absorption of glucose into cells, including liver cells. Insulin promotes the conversion of glucose into glycogen in the liver (glycogenesis),

3^nd statement is incorrect: Insulin resistance is primarily associated with Type 2 diabetes, not Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of beta cells, leading to little or no insulin production. Insulin resistance is a feature of Type 2 diabetes, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin.