Final answer:
A patient diagnosed with diabetes after partial pancreatectomy has lost beta cells crucial for insulin production, leading to high blood glucose levels. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and potentially medications or insulin injections, with pancreatic islet cell transplants being an option in rare cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosis of Diabetes After Partial Pancreatectomy
A patient with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus following the surgical removal of part of the pancreas would experience diabetes due to the loss of beta cells. These beta cells are responsible for producing insulin, a crucial hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. In the absence of sufficient insulin production, patients experience hyperglycemia, characterized by excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Arya, a patient diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, has beta cells that have ceased to function optimally due to their body's high demand for insulin or due to cellular resistance to the hormone.
To manage this condition, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, adequate physical activity, and a healthful diet are recommended to lower blood glucose levels. However, if these measures are not sufficient, medications or insulin injections may be necessary to enhance pancreatic function and control blood sugar. In some cases, as in the feature on human biology in the news, patients receive pancreatic islet cells transplants, which may cure diabetes if the transplanted cells are not rejected by the immune system, although the availability of donors limits this option.
Diabetes mellitus significantly impacts quality of life and can lead to complications like neuropathy, as experienced by Mohinder's father. Therefore, a proper treatment plan, regular monitoring, and consistent care are essential for patients with diabetes following the partial removal of the pancreas.