Question

The hormone insulin greatly increases the carrier-mediated transport of glucose into most cells of the body by promoting an increase in the number of glucose carriers in the cell's plasma membrane. Therfore what does deficient insulin action cause?

Answer 1

Deficient insulin action can lead to reduced glucose uptake into cells, resulting in high blood sugar levels and ultimately contributing to the development of diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

Deficient insulin action causes a decrease in the number of glucose transporters (GLUTs) on the cell membrane, which in turn reduces the uptake of glucose into cells. This leads to an increase in blood glucose levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia. Over time, persistent hyperglycemia can lead to diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 diabetes, where cells become resistant to insulin or there is an inadequate insulin response.

Insulin facilitates glucose entry into cells by triggering the translocation of GLUTs to the cell membrane. Without sufficient insulin action, the number of GLUTs at the cell membrane remains low, and glucose remains in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed by cells. This mechanism is crucial for the regulation of blood sugar levels, and its impairment can lead to serious health consequences.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by target cell resistance to insulin, meaning that despite the presence of insulin, the cells fail to respond effectively, preventing proper glucose uptake. This failure in the cellular response to insulin is both a defining feature of Type 2 diabetes and the main contributor to its associated high blood sugar levels.