Question

What is the cause of secondary diabetes mellitus following pancreatectomy?

1) Loss of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
2) Increased insulin resistance
3) Decreased glucose production
4) Overproduction of glucagon

Answer 1

Secondary diabetes mellitus after pancreatectomy results from the loss of insulin-producing cells due to the removal of the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency and high blood glucose levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cause of secondary diabetes mellitus following pancreatectomy is the loss of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. When the pancreas is removed, the beta cells that produce insulin are also removed, which leads to a deficiency of insulin. This deficiency means that the body can no longer regulate blood glucose levels effectively, resulting in high levels of glucose in the blood, known as hyperglycemia. The condition is similar to Type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks the insulin-secreting beta cells leading to insulin deficiency.