Deficiency in insulin could lead to________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which condition results from a lack of insulin.

Step 2: Explain the concept Insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Its job is to regulate blood sugar. It does this by:

• helping cells take up glucose from the blood
• promoting the conversion of excess glucose to glycogen in the liver and muscles

Step 3: Work through the options When insulin is deficient, glucose stays in the blood and blood sugar rises. Glucose may also appear in the urine. This condition is diabetes mellitus.

• A. Cirrhosis: This is scarring of the liver, often caused by long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis. It is not linked to insulin.
• B. Hepatitis: This is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses. It is not linked to insulin.
• C. Diabetes: This is caused by insulin deficiency or by the body's resistance to insulin. ✔
• D. Nephritis: This is inflammation of the kidneys. It is not linked to insulin.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. diabetes.

Tip: Link the words Insulin Deficiency → Diabetes. Also remember that the opposite hormone, glucagon, raises blood sugar. For organs, remember that "-itis" means inflammation (hepat-itis is the liver, nephr-itis is the kidney).