My group believes that Elisa does have diabetes. I think that she has the diabetes condition because her test results showed elevated blood glucose levels alongside symptoms such as increased thirst and frequent urination.
In the case of diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, glucose molecules from the food we eat are unable to enter the cells effectively due to insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, facilitates the uptake of glucose by the body’s cells. In individuals with diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not respond to insulin effectively. As a result, excess glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.
When we compare this to Elisa's test results, her blood glucose readings were higher than normal, indicating that glucose is not being utilized properly by her body's cells. Additionally, her symptoms align with common indicators of diabetes, such as polyuria (increased urination) and polydipsia (increased thirst), which occur because the kidneys are working to filter out the excess glucose.
In healthy individuals, glucose is transported into cells for energy, and the blood sugar levels are kept within a normal range, preventing such symptoms. However, in Elisa's case, the persistent high blood glucose levels suggest a dysfunction in this regulatory process, supporting our diagnosis of diabetes.