Hands-on experiments on glycemia regulation and type 1 diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Diabetes Research

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes management requires understanding glycemia regulation.
• Developing effective diabetes models and insulin therapies is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a 3-day experimental workshop on glycemia regulation and type 1 diabetes.
• To engage students in open-ended investigations and guided experiments.
• To explore animal models of diabetes, pancreatic cell function, and insulin protein production.

Main Methods:

• Students measured glycemia and glycosuria in control and diabetic mice (Alloxan-treated).
• Insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells (INS-1) was quantified at varying glucose concentrations.
• Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected to study human insulin protein characteristics and conformation using RASMOL.

Main Results:

• Experimental data provided insights into glycemia control mechanisms and diabetes pathology.
• The workshop facilitated student understanding of complex biological processes.
• Students developed skills in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation.

Conclusions:

• The workshop effectively enhanced student comprehension of diabetes and glycemia regulation.
• Hands-on experimentation and presentation fostered scientific literacy and critical thinking.
• This pedagogical approach can be valuable for science education in endocrinology and diabetes research.