3-13: Diabetes Flashcards
Describe the role of insulin in the body.
Insulin permits glucose to be absorbed by the cells of the body from the bloodstream.
Explain what happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or develops a tolerance to it.
When there is not enough insulin produced or when insulin resistance develops (that is, the glucose can no longer be used by the cells), glucose stays in the blood instead of entering the cells, putting strain on the kidneys and starving the cells of energy.
Distinguish between the two types of diabetes.
Type I diabetes has an abrupt onset, may result from viral infection or an autoimmune reaction, results in a lack of insulin production by the pancreas (cells that produce insulin may get destroyed by the immune system), and has an early onset (ages 5-6; 10-13). Early symptoms include frequent urination, unusual thirst, uncontrollable food craving, and fainting. Type I diabetes accounts for 10% of all cases.
Type II (or non-insulin-dependent) diabetes occurs in middle-aged and older adults. It is linked to obesity and having too much glucose in the bloodstream, which causes cells to become insulin-resistant and also causes the pancreas to produce less insulin. Symptoms include frequent urination; dryness in the mouth; loss of sensation; frequent infections of the skin, gums and urinary system; pain or cramps in the legs, feet or fingers; slow healing of wounds; itching; and drowsiness. It is more common in women, low-SES populations, and minorities (Native Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans).
List the health problems associated with diabetes.
Diabetes is associated with: a thickening of the arteries; increased risk for CHD; blindness; nervous system damage; amputation; sexual dysfunction; depression; and increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Describe the effects of stress hormones on insulin.
Stress hormones such as cortisol interfere with the ability of insulin to store glucose; as a result, the pancreas secretes more insulin, which raises blood pressure, increases heart rate, and leads to fat storage.
Identify the ways that Type I and Type II diabetes are managed.
Type I diabetes is managed by monitoring glucose levels, keeping blood sugar at acceptable levels, and injecting insulin. Type II diabetes is managed by controlling diet (reducing the number of calories as well as the amount of carbohydrates), exercise, and stress management.
Explain why adherence to self-management programs is so low for Type I diabetics.
80% of diabetic patients administered insulin incorrectly. The reasons for poor adherence are:
- Many of the severe complications do not show up for 15-20 years.
- Parents may focus on avoiding hypoglycemia in their diabetic children rather than on keeping blood glucose levels steady.
- Monitoring blood glucose levels and injecting insulin are complex tasks that require proper education on the part of patients and their families.
Compare the treatment goals of parents and physicians of children with Type I diabetes.
Parents tend to be more concerned with avoiding hypoglycemia, which is a short-term threat. In contrast, the physicians’ goals are centered on the long-term threat of diabetes complications and the need to keep blood glucose levels steady.
Cite evidence that lifestyle intervention programs can prevent diabetes.
Intensive lifestyle interventions focusing on weight loss, exercise, and diet modification in at-risk populations have been shown to reduce the incidence of diabetes by 58%.
Identify cognitive-behavioral interventions used with diabetics.
- Helping diabetics engage in appropriate self-injection
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Stress management
- Social skills training
- Dealing with depression
diabetes
A chronic disorder in which the body is not able to manufacture or use insulin properly.
