In Diabetes Mellitus, _______

Question

In diabetes mellitus, _______.
A) insulin overstimulates cells to take in glucose
B) cells turn to fat and protein for energy
C) glucose cannot be detected in the urine
D) alpha cells secrete too little glucagon

Accepted Answer

In diabetes mellitus, cells are unable to properly use glucose for energy, leading them to turn to fat and protein metabolism instead. This results in increased fat breakdown and ketone production, which can be dangerous if left untreated. Insulin resistance or deficiency leads to elevated blood glucose levels, which can eventually lead to glucose in the urine (glycosuria). Glucagon secretion may be normal or elevated in diabetes mellitus, but it is ineffective in stimulating glucose release from the liver and therefore cannot compensate for the lack of insulin.