Chapter 46 Management of Patients w/ Diabetes Flashcards
Diabetes
A group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both
Criteria for Diabetes Diagnosis
1)Symptoms of diabetes: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, unexplained weight loss (Type I)
2) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL (no caloric intake for 8 hrs)
3) Random blood glucose ≥ to 200
4) HgbA1C ≥ to 6.5%
Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C or HgbA1C)
A measure of glucose control that is a result of glucose molecule attaching to hemoglobin for the life of the red blood cell (120 days: 3 months)
Hyperglycemia
Excess glucose in the blood
The 3 Ps
Polyuria, polydipsia, & polyphagia
Polyuria
Excess urination
Polydipsia
Increased thirst
Polyphagia
Increased appetite
When does glycosuria occur?
It occurs when the renal threshold for sugar exceeds 180mg/dL
What condition can glycosuria lead to?
It can lead to osmotic diuresis (excess loss of water & electrolytes)
Fasting Plasma Glucose
Blood glucose determination obtained in the lab after fasting for at least 8 hrs
Prediabetes
Impaired glucose metabolism in which blood glucose concen fall btwn norm levels and those considered diagnostic for diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
A metabolic disorder characterized by an absence of insulin production & secretion from autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
Type 2 Diabetes
A metabolic disorder characterized by the relative deficiency of insulin production & a decreased insulin action & increased insulin resistance
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy ( usually in 2nd/3rd trimester due to hormone secretion that inhibit insulin)
What can lead to the development of gestational diabetes?
Secretion of certain placental hormones that cause insulin resistance
Patients that are at an elevated risk for developing gestational diabetes
Women w/marked obesity, strong personal/family hx of gestational diabetes, & glycosuria
Diabetes Risk Factors
Age
-Type 1: <30 years old
-Type 2: >30 years old
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level ≤35 mg/dL (0.90 mmol/L) and/or triglyceride level ≥250 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L)
History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby over 9 lbs
HTN
Family hx of diabetes
Obesity
Previously identified impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance
Ethnicity Groups: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders
Insulin
A protein anabolic hormone secreted by beta cells, in the pancreas
Functions of Insulin
Transports and metabolizes glucose for energy
Stim storage of glucose in the liver and muscle (via glycogen)
Signals the liver to stop the rel of glucose
Enhances storage of dietary fat in adipose tiss
Accelerates transport of amino acids (derived from dietary protein) into cells
Inhibits the breakdown of stored glucose, protein, and fat
Since insulin is an anabolic hormone, what expected side effect can you see in patients?
Weight gain
Glucagon
A protein hormone secreted by the alpha cells in the pancreas
Function of Glucagon
Increases blood glucose levels
Clinical Manifestations of Type 1 Diabetes
Symptoms sudden in onset
May have sudden weight loss
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Polyphagia
Ketoacidosis
Glycosuria
Fatigue
Weakness
Vision changes DKA
What happens if beta cell destruction occurs?
Insulin prod decreases, glucose prod (liver) increases, & fasting hyperglycemia
Osmotic Diuresis
When excess glucose is excreted in the urine, it is accompanied by excessive loss of fluids & electrolytes
Ketone bodies
A highly acidic substance formed when the liver breaks down free fatty acids in the absence of insulin
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
An acute complication from insulin deficiency (usually from Type I) where highly acidic ketone bodies are formed, and metabolic acidosis occur
DKA Signs & Symptoms
Fruity breath
Kussmaul respirations
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Polyphagia
Marked fatigue
Blurred vision
Weakness
Headache
Orthostatic Bp
Tachycardia
Poor skin turgor
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Management
Correct dehydration, electrolyte loss & acidosis BEFORE correcting hyperglycemia w/insulin
Risk Factors for Type II Diabetes
Family hx
Obesity: BMI more than or equal to 30
Race/Ethnicity
Age 30 & up
Prev identified impaired fasting glucose/glucose tolerance test
High density lipoprotein (HDL) less than or equal to 30 mg/dL and/or triglyceride lvl 250mg/dL or more
Hx of gestational diabetes
Delivery of a baby > 9lbs
HTN
Type II Diabetes Clinical Manifestations
Slow onset
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Polyphagia
Fatigue
Weakness
Vision changes
Neuropathy
Dry skin
Skin lesions/wounds that are slow to heal
Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
True or False (T/F): Type II tends to be undetected for many years due to the slow, progressive nature of the disease.
True
What is the main problem related to type II diabetes?
The main problems is insulin resistance due to decreased sensitivity of the tissues to the effects of insulin
Most Common Health Complications Associated w/ Type II Diabetes
Eye disease, peripheral neuropathy, & peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
Peripheral Neuropathy
Result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain & spinal cord
Often causes weakness, numbness & pain (usually in the hands & feet)
Initial Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Occurs bilaterally:
- Tingling
- Heightened sensation
- Burning
Progressive Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Numbness
Problems w/proprioception
Decreased sensation of light touch
Unsteady gait
Management of Peripheral Neuropathy
Daily checks of the feet (infection)
Intensive insulin therapy: control of blood glucose levels
Analgesic agents
Antiseizure meds (also help w/neuropathy)
-Lyrica (pregablin)
- Neurontin (gabapentin)
Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes
Medium to large vessels: thicken, scleroses, become occluded w/plaque
3 Main types of Macrovascular Diseases Associated w/ Diabetes:
1) Coronary artery disease
2) Cerebrovascular disease
3) Peripheral vascular disease
Signs of Severe Foot Infections
1) Drainage
2) Swelling
3) Cellulitis
4) Gangrene
Cellulitis
Deep bacterial skin infection that causes painful inflammation (swelling, redness)
Gangrene
Death of body tissue due to lack of blood flow/severe infection
Foot Care Instructions
Daily feet checks
Wash feet everyday
Keep skin soft and
smooth
Trim toenails straight
across
-Go to a podiatrist if
unable to trim toenails
Wear shoes and socks at ALL times
Keep the blood flowing to your feet
Do not smoke
Contact PCP right away if a cut, sore or bruise on foot does not begin to heal after 24 hours
Coronary Artery Disease
A narrowing/blockage of coronary arteries (supply heart) due to the accumulation of plaque
Cerebrovascular Disease
A group of conditions that affect blood flow to the brain
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
A common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs
Management of Macrovascular Complications from Diabetes
Aggressive reduction of risk factors for atherosclerosis:
-Obesity
-HTN
-Hyperlipidemia
Control blood glucose levels
Smoking cessation
What causes microvascular complications from diabetes?
Capillary basement membrane thickening
Retinopathy
Damage to small blood vessels that nourish the retina
Clinical Manifestations of Diabetic Retinopathy
Painless
Floaters
Cobwebs
Spotty/hazy vision
Complete Loss of Vision
Nephropathy
Damage to the kidney cells
How does diabetes cause nephropathy?
High glucose levels over long periods of time stresses the kidney’s filtration system-> allows proteins to leak into the urine
Also kidney blood vessel pressure increases
Nephropathy Management
Dialysis
-Hemodialysis
-Peritoneal dialysis
-Mortality rates higher for diabetic patients
Kidney Transplant
Insulin Resistance
Decreased tissue sensitivity to the effects of insulin
What does the body do in order to compensate for insulin resistance & glucose buildup?
Insulin secretion increases to maintain the glucose at a normal/slightly elevated level
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS)
Insulin secretion increases to maintain the glucose at a normal/slightly elevated level
Clinical Manifestations of HHS
Hypotension
Profound dehydration,
Tachycardia
Variable neurologic signs caused by cerebral dehydration (alterations of consciousness, seizures, hemiparesis)
Which condition is often associated w/ Type I Diabetes?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Which condition is often associated w/ Type II Diabetes?
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS)
Example of Possible Consequences of Untreated Diabetes
Blindness
Limb amputation
Cardiovascular disease
Kidney disease
Intensive Treatment of Diabetes is defined by the ADA as…
… 3 or 4 insulin injections/day or an insulin pump & frequent blood glucose monitoring and weekly contacts w/ diabetes educators