Diabetes Flashcards
Diabetes Mellitus (general)
Metabolic disease in which the body cannot produce insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it produces
Insulin
Hormone that regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Enables glucose to enter cells and be used for energy.
Too much sugar can cause damage to organs, blood vessels, and nerves.
Body’s source of insulin
Pancreas
2 major sources of glucose
Food (component)
Liver (storage and production; glycogen and glycogen breakdown)
DM Type I
Autoimmune disease (genetic + environment)
Immune system attacks cells in pancreas
body can’t produce insulin (or very little)
DM Type II
Cell resistance (genetics + environment), esp high BMI
Cells resistant to action of insulin
Body can’t properly use insulin
Gestational diabetes
Temporary form of diabetes during pregnancy
Risk of developing diabetes later in life for mother and child
Prediabetes
Blood sugar levels higher than normal, but not high enough for DM Type II
Risk of developing Type II, similar risk of complications
Risk factors DM Type I
3 Family history, environment (viral), geography
3 Risk factors DM Type II + Prediabetes
Wt (more fat, more insulin resistant), inactivity
family history, ethnicity, age
High BP, abnormal cholesterol/triglyceride levels
Gestational diabetes
DM Signs/symptoms
Increased thirst/hunger
Frequent urination, ketones in urine (muscle/fat breakdown)
unexplained wt loss, fatigue, irritability
Blurred vision
Slow healing sores, frequent infections (gums, skin, vagina)
DM Type I vs II onset age
Both can develop at ANY AGE
Type I typical during childhood/adolescence
Type II typical over 40 yrs
4 main complications of DM
Peripheral neuropathy
peripheral arterial disease
Ulcers
Charcot foot
Consequence of Peripheral neuropathy
Loss of protective sensation
Consequences of peripheral arterial disease
Reduced blood flow to extremities
Slower healing
Greater risk of infection
Leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation
Diabetes
Key sign to avoid lower limb amputations in adults with diabetes
Ulcers, which often result from diabetic neuropathy and/or peripheral vascular disease
Which complication of DM is preventable and treatable
Ulcers: ptnt education, orthoses, footwear
6 Objectives of pedorthic care for diabetic foot
Relieve areas of excessive plantar pressure, reduce shock, reduce shear, accommodate deformities, limit motion of unstable joints, educate patients of footwear
Most significant predictor of foot ulcerations and complications in people with DM
Loss of protective sensation
peripheral neuropathy
Sensory neuropathy
Loss of sensation
Pain, pressure, temperature, proprioception
Tingling, pain, extreme sensitivity
Motor neuropathy
Reduced muscle control
Foot deformities, muscle atrophy, displaced fat pad
Muscle weakness, difficulty walking, cramps, spasms, abnormal gait
Autonomic neuropathy
Reduced involuntary functions
HR, BP, digestion, sweating, temperature regulation, oil production
Skin that is warm, dry, stiff
Peripheral neuropathy
Gradual loss of nerve function in extremities
