Chapter 20 Flashcards
Diabetes Mellitus
A chronic condition affecting glucose metabolism.
Glucose
Primary energy source for body cells.
Carbohydrates
Main food source, broken into simple sugars.
Sucrose
Table sugar, a type of carbohydrate.
Lactose
Sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Starches
Complex carbohydrates found in potatoes and bread.
Simple Sugars
Absorbed sugars including glucose, galactose, fructose.
Blood Glucose Level
Concentration of glucose in the bloodstream.
Brain Cells
Require glucose exclusively for energy.
Osmotic Pressure
Water movement caused by glucose concentration.
Edema
Swelling due to excess fluid in tissues.
Hypoglycemia
Dangerously low blood glucose levels.
Hyperglycemia
Dangerously high blood glucose levels.
Brain Dysfunction
Altered mental status due to glucose depletion.
Insulin
Hormone that helps glucose enter cells.
Energy Sources
Fats and proteins can substitute for glucose.
Dehydration
Loss of water from the body.
Neurologic Injuries
Conditions like head injury or stroke.
Glucose Administration
Careful use of glucose in neurologic emergencies.
Cell Function
Impaired by lack of glucose or excess by-products.
Glucose Absorption
Occurs in the digestive tract post-carbohydrate digestion.
Complex Sugars
Sugars that are broken down into simpler forms.
Consequences of Low Glucose
Deterioration of brain function and potential death.
Excess Glucose
Glucose spills into urine, causing dehydration.
Diabetes Complication
Dehydration is common in diabetic patients.
Insulin
Hormone that lowers blood glucose levels.
Glucagon
Hormone that raises blood glucose levels.
Pancreas
Organ secreting insulin and glucagon.
Glycogen
Stored form of glucose in the liver.
Insulin Receptor
Site where insulin attaches on cell membranes.
Glucose Transport
Insulin opens channels for glucose entry into cells.
Blood-Brain Barrier
Allows glucose to enter brain without insulin.
Alternative Energy Sources
Cells use fats and proteins when glucose is low.
Emergency Care
Immediate treatment for low blood glucose levels.
Glucose Metabolism
Process of converting glucose to energy in cells.
Insulin Absence
Leads to increased blood glucose and cell starvation.
Brain Energy Source
Brain exclusively uses glucose for energy.
Glycogen Conversion
Glucagon converts glycogen back to glucose.
Noncarbohydrate Conversion
Glucagon converts other substances to glucose.
Blood Glucose Levels
Glucagon maintains glucose levels during fasting.
Insulin Facilitation
Insulin aids glucose movement into cells.
High Blood Glucose
Stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas.
Low Blood Glucose
Stimulates glucagon secretion from the pancreas.
Cellular Starvation
Occurs when glucose cannot enter cells.
Dehydration Mechanism
Excess glucose draws water into urine.
Brain Dysfunction
Occurs when glucose supply is insufficient.
Epinephrine
Hormone released during low blood glucose.
Insulin
Hormone that decreases blood glucose levels.
Glycogen
Stored form of glucose in liver and muscles.
Hypoglycemia
Condition of dangerously low blood glucose.
Glycogenolysis
Process of converting glycogen to glucose.
Gluconeogenesis
Conversion of noncarbohydrates into glucose.
Blood Glucose Level (BGL)
Measurement of glucose concentration in blood.
Fasting Blood Glucose
Blood glucose after not eating for hours.
Normal BGL Range
70 to 140 mg/dL for healthy individuals.
Postprandial Glucose
Blood glucose level after a meal.
Pancreas
Organ that secretes insulin and glucagon.
Liver
Organ that stores glycogen and produces glucose.
Kidneys
Organs that also release glucose from glycogen.
Glucose Uptake
Process of cells absorbing glucose from blood.
Blood Glucose Regulation
Maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
Adrenal Glands
Glands that release epinephrine during stress.
Brain Glucose Sensitivity
Brain’s high sensitivity to glucose fluctuations.
Insulin Secretion
Release of insulin in response to high glucose.
Glucose Cycle
Repeating process of glucose regulation.
Diabetic Regulation
Impaired glucose regulation in diabetes.
Normal Metabolism
Regular metabolic processes maintaining glucose levels.
Blood Glucose Level (BGL)
Amount of glucose in the blood measured in mg/dL.
Glycogen
Stored glucose in the liver for energy.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood glucose, typically BGL of 70 mg/dL or less.
Hyperglycemia
High blood glucose, typically BGL greater than 130 mg/dL.
Glucometer
Device to measure blood glucose levels accurately.
Capillary Blood
Blood obtained from a finger stick for glucose testing.
Normal Blood Glucose Range
Typically 70 to 130 mg/dL for nondiabetic patients.
Postprandial Glucose
Blood glucose level after eating, rises to 180 mg/dL.
Fasting Blood Glucose
Blood glucose level after fasting, should be 70-100 mg/dL.
Diabetic Patient
Patient with diabetes, may have higher normal glucose levels.
Assessment Tips
Consider last meal timing when checking BGL.
Glucose Measurement Procedure
Follow manufacturer’s steps for accurate glucose testing.
Altered Mental Status
Primary sign of hypoglycemia indicating low glucose levels.
Carbohydrate-containing Foods
Foods that significantly affect blood glucose levels.
Emergency Medical Care
Use BGL readings alongside patient history for treatment.
Expired Test Strips
Can lead to inaccurate readings in glucose meters.
Calibration of Device
Ensures accuracy of blood glucose meter readings.
Glucose Meter Usage
Requires proper training to avoid inaccurate results.
Blood Glucose Fluctuations
Normal variations based on food intake and activity.
Glucose Concentration Reading
Numerical value indicating glucose level in blood.
Diabetic Emergency
Condition requiring immediate treatment based on BGL.
Energy Sources
Fats and proteins used when glycogen stores are depleted.
Portable Blood Glucose Meters
Devices used by EMS and patients for glucose testing.
Glucometer
Device for measuring blood glucose levels.
Lancet
Small device used to prick the skin.
Lancet device
Tool that aids in finger pricking.
Blood flow
Movement of blood to the fingers.
Test strip
Strip used to analyze blood glucose.
Alcohol swab
Used to cleanse the pricking site.
Hyperglycemia
Abnormally high blood glucose levels.
Diabetes mellitus (DM)
Condition with disrupted carbohydrate metabolism.
Insulin
Hormone regulating glucose uptake by cells.
Cell receptors
Sites that recognize insulin for glucose entry.
Glucose metabolism
Process of using glucose for energy.
Blood glucose value
Result displayed after glucose testing.
Biohazard container
Container for disposing of medical waste.
Pricking technique
Method for obtaining blood sample efficiently.
Warm fingers
Improves blood flow for better sampling.
Drop of blood
Required amount for glucose testing.
Waste first drop
First blood drop is discarded for accuracy.
Testing time
Blood glucose value displayed in 40-45 seconds.
Glucose entry
Process of glucose entering cells for energy.
Energy starvation
Cells lack glucose, must use fat for energy.
Brain glucose access
Brain cells can use glucose without insulin.
Manufacturer’s recommendations
Guidelines for using glucose meters and strips.
Blood glucose collection
Gathering blood for testing from fingertip.
Blood Glucose Level
Concentration of glucose in the blood.
Kidney Reabsorption
Process of kidneys reclaiming substances from urine.
Polydipsia
Excessive thirst due to dehydration.
Polyuria
Frequent urination caused by high glucose.
Polyphagia
Increased hunger due to energy starvation.
Three Ps
Common signs of diabetes: polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia.
Hyperglycemia
High blood glucose levels in diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin-dependent diabetes, requires insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes, managed with diet and drugs.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Severe hyperglycemic condition in Type 1 diabetes.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood glucose levels, can be dangerous.
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome (HHS)
Severe hyperglycemia without ketosis in Type 2 diabetes.
A1C Test
Measures average blood glucose over three months.
Fasting Blood Glucose
Blood glucose after fasting, typically >126 mg/dL in diabetes.
Random Blood Glucose
Blood glucose at any time, typically >200 mg/dL in diabetes.
Dehydration
Loss of body water, often due to polyuria.
Blurry Vision
Visual impairment due to fluid changes from glucose.
Insulin
Hormone regulating blood glucose levels.
Diet and Exercise
Key management strategies for Type 2 diabetes.
Fat Deposits
Blockages in blood vessels leading to complications.
Diabetes Prevalence
Approximately 10% of the population has diabetes.
Demographics of Diabetes
More common in white individuals than non-white.
Peak Onset Ages
Type 1 diabetes peaks at ages 5-15 and 10-14.
A1C Test
Measures average blood glucose over months.
Normal A1C Range
Normal A1C for non-diabetics is 4-5.6%.
Prediabetes A1C Range
A1C between 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes.
Diabetes A1C Level
A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Blood Sugar Levels
Table correlates A1C percentage with blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood glucose level, typically below 70 mg/dL.
Hyperglycemia
High blood glucose level, exceeding normal limits.
Acute Diabetic Emergencies
Conditions from extreme blood glucose levels.
Altered Mental Status
Common sign of hypoglycemia in diabetics.
Insulin Overdose
Excess insulin can cause severe hypoglycemia.
Type 1 Diabetes
More prone to hypoglycemia due to insulin use.
Type 2 Diabetes
Can also experience hypoglycemia from medications.
Brain Energy Source
Brain cells primarily use glucose for energy.
Severe Hypoglycemia
Annual severe episodes in diabetics are common.
Self-Treated Hypoglycemia
Mild episodes occur 1-2 times weekly.
Insulin Function
Insulin helps move glucose into body cells.
BGL Definition
Blood glucose level; critical for diabetes management.
Hypoglycemia Symptoms
Signs include confusion, dizziness, and weakness.
Insulin and Meals
Insulin must be balanced with food intake.
Prolonged Hypoglycemia
Can occur with long-lasting oral diabetes medications.
Emergency Monitoring
Patients need monitoring if hypoglycemia is severe.
Glucose Binding
Glucose binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
A1C Correlation Table
Table 20-2 shows A1C and average blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood glucose causing brain dysfunction.
Insulin Shock
Historical term for severe hypoglycemia symptoms.
Glucagon
Hormone that increases blood glucose levels.
Tachycardia
Increased heart rate due to hypoglycemia.
Diaphoresis
Excessive sweating associated with hypoglycemia.
Mental Status Deterioration
Indicator of low blood glucose impact.
Brain Cell Dysfunction
Failure of brain cells due to glucose deprivation.
Signs of Hypoglycemia
Symptoms include confusion, drowsiness, and seizures.
Rapid Onset
Hypoglycemia symptoms appear within minutes.
Bizarre Behavior
Unusual actions due to hypoglycemia effects.
Pale, Cool Skin
Skin appearance during hypoglycemic episodes.
Warm Sensation
Feeling experienced during hypoglycemic reactions.
Seizures
Severe hypoglycemia can lead to convulsions.
Hemiparesis
Weakness on one side, mimicking stroke symptoms.
Altered Mental Status
Change in consciousness due to hypoglycemia.
Blood Glucose Levels
Critical for diagnosing hypoglycemia severity.
Medical Identification
Bracelets indicating diabetes for emergency recognition.
Intoxicated Appearance
Hypoglycemia may mimic alcohol intoxication.
Glucose Meter
Device used to measure blood glucose levels.
Treatment for Hypoglycemia
Immediate glucose administration to restore levels.
High Index of Suspicion
Critical in assessing altered mental status.
Severe Cases
Hypoglycemia can lead to coma or death.
Hypoglycemia
Condition of low blood glucose levels.
Alcohol’s effect on glucose
Alcohol inhibits glucose production from noncarbohydrates.