Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the continuous series of biochemical processes and reactions that occur within the cells of the
human body. These processes are essential for producing energy, repairing cells, and maintaining overall life functions.
(Giddens, 2nd ed., 2017)
Glucose Regulation
Glucose regulation is the process by which the body maintains optimal blood glucose levels. This balance is crucial
for overall health and homeostasis. (Giddens, 3rd ed., 2021, p. 133)
Exemplars:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
Basic Principles of Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the intricate network of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life.
These reactions are primarily divided into two categories:
1. Anabolism: The building-up processes, where simpler molecules are synthesized into more complex
molecules, requiring energy input. Anabolic reactions are essential for growth, repair, and storage of energy.
2. Catabolism: The breaking-down processes, where complex molecules are broken into simpler ones,
releasing energy. This energy is used to fuel cellular functions and maintain homeostasis.
The balance between anabolism and catabolism is crucial for maintaining the body’s overall energy equilibrium,
ensuring that cells function optimally and that resources are efficiently utilized.
Metabolism is vital for processes such as energy production, cellular repair, and the regulation of essential body
functions, including temperature control and hormone regulation. It is regulated by enzymes, hormones, and genetic
factors to ensure proper metabolic activity, supporting the body’s overall health and survival.
Risk Factors for Alterations in Metabolism
,Type 1 Diabetes 🧬
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the
pancreas.
• Genetics/Family History
o First-degree relatives (parents, siblings) with type 1 diabetes increase risk.
o Specific genes, such as HLA-DQAI and HLA-DQBI, are associated with a higher risk.
• Autoimmune Conditions
o Conditions like Celiac Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis are linked to higher susceptibility.
• Viral Infections
o Certain viral infections may trigger the autoimmune response leading to type 1 diabetes.
• Geographic and Ethnic Factors
o Populations in Finland and Sweden, along with European descent, are at greater risk.
• Environmental Factors
o Exposure to environmental toxins or early childhood viral infections may play a role.
Type 2 Diabetes 🍏
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it.
• Family History
o Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk.
• Obesity/Overweight
o Excess body weight, especially abdominal fat, is a major factor in developing insulin resistance.
• Physical Inactivity
o A sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Age
o The risk increases with age, particularly after 45 years.
• Ethnicity
o Higher risk for African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific
Islander populations.
• Pre-Diabetes
o Elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet in the diabetic range indicate an increased risk.
• Gestational Diabetes
o A history of gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Unhealthy Diet
o Diets high in refined carbs, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats are contributing factors.
• High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
o Conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
, o Women with PCOS are more prone to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes 🤱
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet both the
mother's and baby’s needs.
• Age
o Women over 25 years old have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
• Overweight Before Pregnancy
o Being overweight or obese before pregnancy increases the likelihood of gestational diabetes.
• Family History of Diabetes
o A family history, especially of type 2 diabetes, raises the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Previous Gestational Diabetes
o Women who had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies are at increased risk.
• Ethnicity
o Hispanic/Latino, African American, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander
women are at greater risk.
• Previous Birth of a Large Baby
o Women who previously gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 lbs are more likely to develop
gestational diabetes.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
o Women with PCOS are at increased risk of gestational diabetes.
• High Blood Sugar Before Pregnancy
o Elevated blood sugar levels before pregnancy can also increase the likelihood of gestational
diabetes.
Prevention Strategies for Alterations in Metabolism 💡
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet 🥗
• Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and
healthy fats. This helps to support proper metabolic function and prevents insulin resistance.
• Limit Refined Carbs & Sugary Drinks: Reduce intake of foods high in refined sugars, sugary drinks, and
unhealthy fats, which can contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
• Portion Control: Eating in moderation helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents obesity, which is a
major risk factor for metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
Metabolism refers to the continuous series of biochemical processes and reactions that occur within the cells of the
human body. These processes are essential for producing energy, repairing cells, and maintaining overall life functions.
(Giddens, 2nd ed., 2017)
Glucose Regulation
Glucose regulation is the process by which the body maintains optimal blood glucose levels. This balance is crucial
for overall health and homeostasis. (Giddens, 3rd ed., 2021, p. 133)
Exemplars:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
Basic Principles of Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the intricate network of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life.
These reactions are primarily divided into two categories:
1. Anabolism: The building-up processes, where simpler molecules are synthesized into more complex
molecules, requiring energy input. Anabolic reactions are essential for growth, repair, and storage of energy.
2. Catabolism: The breaking-down processes, where complex molecules are broken into simpler ones,
releasing energy. This energy is used to fuel cellular functions and maintain homeostasis.
The balance between anabolism and catabolism is crucial for maintaining the body’s overall energy equilibrium,
ensuring that cells function optimally and that resources are efficiently utilized.
Metabolism is vital for processes such as energy production, cellular repair, and the regulation of essential body
functions, including temperature control and hormone regulation. It is regulated by enzymes, hormones, and genetic
factors to ensure proper metabolic activity, supporting the body’s overall health and survival.
Risk Factors for Alterations in Metabolism
,Type 1 Diabetes 🧬
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the
pancreas.
• Genetics/Family History
o First-degree relatives (parents, siblings) with type 1 diabetes increase risk.
o Specific genes, such as HLA-DQAI and HLA-DQBI, are associated with a higher risk.
• Autoimmune Conditions
o Conditions like Celiac Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis are linked to higher susceptibility.
• Viral Infections
o Certain viral infections may trigger the autoimmune response leading to type 1 diabetes.
• Geographic and Ethnic Factors
o Populations in Finland and Sweden, along with European descent, are at greater risk.
• Environmental Factors
o Exposure to environmental toxins or early childhood viral infections may play a role.
Type 2 Diabetes 🍏
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it.
• Family History
o Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk.
• Obesity/Overweight
o Excess body weight, especially abdominal fat, is a major factor in developing insulin resistance.
• Physical Inactivity
o A sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Age
o The risk increases with age, particularly after 45 years.
• Ethnicity
o Higher risk for African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific
Islander populations.
• Pre-Diabetes
o Elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet in the diabetic range indicate an increased risk.
• Gestational Diabetes
o A history of gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Unhealthy Diet
o Diets high in refined carbs, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats are contributing factors.
• High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
o Conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
, o Women with PCOS are more prone to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes 🤱
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet both the
mother's and baby’s needs.
• Age
o Women over 25 years old have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
• Overweight Before Pregnancy
o Being overweight or obese before pregnancy increases the likelihood of gestational diabetes.
• Family History of Diabetes
o A family history, especially of type 2 diabetes, raises the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Previous Gestational Diabetes
o Women who had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies are at increased risk.
• Ethnicity
o Hispanic/Latino, African American, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander
women are at greater risk.
• Previous Birth of a Large Baby
o Women who previously gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 lbs are more likely to develop
gestational diabetes.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
o Women with PCOS are at increased risk of gestational diabetes.
• High Blood Sugar Before Pregnancy
o Elevated blood sugar levels before pregnancy can also increase the likelihood of gestational
diabetes.
Prevention Strategies for Alterations in Metabolism 💡
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet 🥗
• Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and
healthy fats. This helps to support proper metabolic function and prevents insulin resistance.
• Limit Refined Carbs & Sugary Drinks: Reduce intake of foods high in refined sugars, sugary drinks, and
unhealthy fats, which can contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
• Portion Control: Eating in moderation helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents obesity, which is a
major risk factor for metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
