Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the effect insulin has on the cell is reduced,despite consistent levels of circulating insulin (in the beginning of the disease).Which of the following could possibly explain this phenomenon?
A)Upregulation of insulin receptors
B)Downregulation of insulin receptors
C)Increased affinity of insulin for its receptor
D)Decreased expression of the second messenger in the insulin pathway
E)Saturation of the insulin receptor

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B) Downregulation of insulin receptors and D) Decreased expression of the second messenger in the insulin pathway could explain the reduced effect of insulin on cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Downregulation of insulin receptors means there are fewer receptors available for insulin to bind to, reducing insulin's effectiveness. Decreased expression of the second messenger would impair the intracellular signaling pathway that insulin activates after binding to its receptor, also reducing insulin's effectiveness.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Is a Disease in Which the Effect