Michaelis-Menten kinetics is important for studying how diseases progress by looking at how enzymes work in our body.

Here are some key points to know:

1. Important Terms:

   • $V_{max}$: This is the highest speed at which a reaction can happen when the enzyme is fully busy or 'saturated'.
   • $K_m$: This is called the Michaelis constant. It shows the amount of substrate (the substance the enzyme works on) needed to reach half of the maximum speed ($V_{max}$). It helps us understand how well the enzyme is working.

2. Why It Matters in Health:

   • If $K_m$ is higher because of diseases like diabetes, it can mean the enzyme is not working as well as it should. In some cases, it can increase by up to 50%.
   • Changes in enzyme activity can act as warning signs for health issues. For example, a decrease in $V_{max}$ (by 30-70%) can be linked to liver problems like cirrhosis.

By understanding these terms, we can better diagnose and keep track of how diseases are developing in patients.