When the beta cells of the islet of Langerhans of the pancreas decreases insulin production, what disease develops?
Explanation
Answer: B - When the beta cells of the islet of Langerhans of the pancreas decrease insulin production, diabetic mellitus develops. Insulin facilitates glucose transport into the cells. As the body cells become starved for glucose, they use other sources of energy, resulting in a ketone production. Increased blood glucose levels cause an osmotic gradient, resulting in a water shift into the vascular compartment. This in turn causes glucose to be spilled into the urine, taking water with it. The diabetic is at risk for heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness.
