Facilitated Diffusion and Type 1 Diabetes

[Hausfrau]

I need some Bio help to make sure I am understanding this right..

So, in the case of facilitated diffusion and insulin...

Glucose enters the cell through facilitated diffusion... which means, it binds to a transport protein and gets released into the cell.

Insulin's role is that it stimulates an increase of these transport proteins, so glucose is able to enter into the cell at a faster diffusion rate.

So, I am trying to understand how this works with Diabetics who take insulin shots. So they need the insulin because otherwise they won't get glucose into their cells quick enough?

Is that right? Any input would be appreciated!

[mommybess, BSN, RN]

Insulin is the vehicle to transport insulin into cells. Without insulin the glucose stays in the blood stream unused. The body thinks that there is no "glucose" and starts breaking down fat to use for energy. This can cause ketoacidosis when the body is breaking down fat vs using glucose. In addtion, due to the rising glucose levels the patient becomes hyperglycemic. The liver continue with glucogensis, further increasing glucose levels.

I hope this is what you were asking.