Chapter 6: Type 1 Diabetes, Insulin & Hypoglycaemia Flashcards
Characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia, what are the two ways in which diabetes can manifest?
- Deficient insulin secretion
2. Resistance to actions of insulin
What are the 4 types of diabetes?
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Gestational
- Secondary
To which 3 conditions can diabetes be secondary?
- Pancreatic damage
- Hepatitis
- Endocrine disease
Which agency must be notified if someone has diabetes and is being treated with insulin?
DVLA
Which adverse event should drivers be particularly careful of?
Hypoglycaemia
What must diabetics always carry to ensure they are informed about their plasma glucose?
- Glucose meter
2. Test strips
Diabetics using insulin should check their plasma glucose how long before driving?
Two hours
While driving how often should diabetics using insulin test their plasma glucose?
Every two hours - more frequent if recent activity that may increase risk of hypo
While driving, plasma glucose of diabetic drivers should always be above what threshold?
5mmol/L
If plasma glucose falls slightly below 5mmol/L, what should diabetic drivers using insulin do?
Have a fast-acting carbohydrated
What are the 3 steps that diabetic drivers using insulin should take if their plasma glucose falls below 4mmol/L
- Stop driving
- Switch off the engine, remove keys and move from driver’s seat
- Consume source of sugar
How long should diabetic drivers using insulin wait before driving after stopping due to it falling below 4mmol/L?
45 minutes after it has returned to normal
Under which circumstances should diabetic drivers using insulin not drive?
If hypoglycaemia awareness has been lost
As well as insulin, which other diabetic medicines may it be necessary to inform the DVLA about? (3)
- Sulphonylureas
- Nateglinide
- Repaglinide
Which lifestyle activity can mask the signs of hypoglycaemia?
Alcohol
Is it advised for all diabetics to avoid drinking alcohol?
No, they must drink in moderation and with food
Which test is mainly used to diagnose impaired glucose control? It is useful for when patients do not have severe symptoms but glucose tolerance is impaired
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
If symptoms are already present, should the OGTT be used to diagnose diabetes?
No
In which type of diabetes is OGTT especially useful in diagnosing?
Gestational diabetes
How is the OGTT conducted?
Plasma glucose is measured after fasting.
Patient drinks glucose drink.
Plasma glucose is measured 2 hours after
Which test is a good indicator for glycaemic control?
HbA1c
What does HbA1c measure?
The amount of glycated haemoglobin
HbA1c shows average glucose control over how long?
The last 2-3 months
Should a patient fast before their HbA1c test?
No