In a newly diagnosed case of sick child with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), insulin was given. Which of the following will increase:
**Core Concept**
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Insulin therapy is essential to manage blood glucose levels in these patients. In the context of insulin administration, the body's response involves various physiological mechanisms that help to regulate blood glucose levels.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Insulin promotes glucose uptake in cells through the insulin receptor, which triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events. One of the key downstream effects is the activation of **phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)**, which in turn activates **protein kinase B (Akt)**. This signaling pathway leads to the translocation of **glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4)** to the plasma membrane of muscle and adipose cells, thereby increasing glucose uptake. This process is known as **glucose facilitated diffusion**.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not relevant to the context of insulin administration and glucose uptake in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
**Option B:** Insulin does not decrease glucose production in the liver; in fact, insulin inhibits gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, which helps to lower blood glucose levels.
**Option C:** Insulin does not increase lipolysis; in fact, insulin inhibits lipolysis, which is the breakdown of triglycerides in adipose tissue.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that insulin therapy is not just about correcting hyperglycemia but also about preventing hypoglycemia, which can occur due to excessive glucose uptake by cells. It's essential to monitor blood glucose levels closely, especially during the initial stages of insulin therapy.
**Correct Answer:** C. Glucose uptake