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What is Homeostasis?

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What is Homeostasis?
Homeostasis is a key concept in biology. As stated by Bright Hub, 2014 “Homeostasis in a general sense refers to stability, balance and equilibrium.” It is a process by which the internal conditions of living organisms remain constant, or within a normal range, regardless of their external environment (Dummies.com, 2014. Homeostasis is controlled by a specific section of the brain called the hypothalamus (msichicago.org, 2014). The hypothalamus is comprised of neurons that form the main link between the nervous system and the endocrine system, which play a focal role in regulating a person’s internal temperature, hunger and thirst, blood pressure, and daily circadian rhythms (msichicago.org, 2014).
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This process is known as homeostatic imbalance (Human Homeostasis, 2014). Consequently, homeostatic imbalance often leads to illness as the body’s cells either receive too little or too much of a particular substance (Disease as Homeostatic Imbalance - Homeostasis, 2014). Diabetes, especially type 1, is caused by homeostatic imbalance as the endocrine systems fails to maintain a normal blood glucose level (Zoubina, 2014).

Type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is a life-long autoimmune disease that is generally diagnosed during childhood (Jdrf.org.au, 2014). Type 1 diabetes is a result of autoaggressive T cells that infiltrate the pancreas and destroy insulin-producing β-cells (Betacellmetabolism.org, 2014). As a result the pancreas stops making insulin, and without insulin the body is unable to convert glucose into energy (Diabetesaustralia.com.au, 2014). Consequently, individuals with type 1 diabetes are at risk of a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (Diabetesaustralia.com.au, 2014). To counteract the lack of insulin, the body begins to burn fat and muscle as a substitute (Diabetesaustralia.com.au, 2014). This process results in the production of fatty acids called ketones, which are released by the liver to restore energy levels within the body (Drugs.com, 2014). If ketones accumulate in the bloodstream it causes a chemical imbalance (metabolic acidosis) (Chealth.canoe.ca,

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