Diabetes Flashcards
What degree of weight loss is recommended for people with T2DM who are overweight?
5-10%
What are the recommended levels of physical activity for adults with T2DM?
150 minutes of aerobic activity+ 2-3 sessions resistance training per week (to total of at least 60 mins) and with no more than 2 consecutive days without activity. Prolonged sitting should be interrupted every 30 minutes for blood glucose benefits
What are the recommended levels of physical activity for children with T2DM?
At least 60 mins/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, plus muscle and bone strengthening at least 3 days/week
What is the recommended alcohol intake for all adults with T2DM?
Less than or equal to 2 standard drinks (20g alcohol) per day for men and women
What BGL targets are recommended for people with T2DM who self-monitor?
4-7 fasting and 5-10 post prandial
Which T2DM patients should be taught to self-monitor BGLs?
Those on insulin, pregnant women with gestational diabetes, hyperglycaemia with intercurrent illness, and others on a case-by-case basis
What are the lipid targets in T2DM?
Treat according to risk. Total cholesterol <4.0 mmol/L; HDL-C ≥1.0 mmol/L; LDL-C <2.0 mmol/L (or <1.8 mmol/L if established CVD is present); Non–HDL-C <2.5 mmol/L; Triglycerides <2.0 mmol/L
What are the blood pressure targets in patients with T2DM? And for those with proteinuria?
140/90mmHg standard
130/80mmHg if proteinuria is present
What are the targets for urine albumin excretion in T2DM?
<3.5 for women
<2.5 for men
List at least 3 measurablebiochemical targets to chase in T2DM
BP
Lipids
HbA1c
UACR
How often should people who are low risk for T2DM be screened, and how?
Every 3 years from age 40 using the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK)
What particular food groups are associated with a lower risk of T2DM?
3 serves whole grains/day (cereals) and 1.5 serves/day of dairy foods
How often should Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people be screened for T2DM, and how?
Do not use AUSDRISK, as the background prevalence is much higher. Instead, test bloods every year from age 18 with fasting glucose, random glucose or HbA1c
List at least 4 groups who should be screened for T2DM with fasting glucose or HbA1c every 3 years
- AUSDRISK score greater than or equal to 12;
- On antipsychotics;
- Hx of cardiovascular event including MI and CVA;
- Hx of gestational diabetes;
- PCOS
How often should patients with an impaired fasting glucose or OGTT be screened for T2DM, and how?
Every 12 months with fasting glucose or HbA1c.
What are the 4 clinical classes of diabetes?
- T1DM
- T2DM
- Gestational diabetes mellitus
- Other specific types of diabetes (i.e., monogenic diabetes, diabetes secondary to other causes)
For which groups of T2DM patients should metabolic surgery be recommended?
BMI 40+
BMI 35-39.9 when hyperglycaemia is inadequately controlled by lifestyle and optimal medical therapy
What are the recommendations for SMBG in T2DM patients with inadequate glycaemic control?
Periodic pre- and post-prandial measurements and education in regards to modification of such readings via lifestyle measures and pharmacotherapy
A reasonable HbA1c goal for many non-pregnant T2DM adults is _____%
Less than 7%
In newly diagnosed T2DM patients, if glycaemic targets are not met within ___ of using healthy behaviour interventions, glucose-lowering therapy should be added to reduce the risk of _____ complications
3 months
Microvascular
Give 3 examples of ‘metabolic decompensation’ in reference to diabetes, and comment on what management should be instigated in these cases
Marked hyperglycaemia
Ketosis
Unintentional weight loss
Individuals with metabolic decompensation should receive insulin therapy to correct the relative insulin deficiency.
Adults with which conditions do not require absolute CVD risk assessment using the Framingham criteria because they are already known to be at clinically determined high risk? (Name at least 5 of the 6)
- Diabetes in patients > 60 years
- Diabetes with microalbuminuria (UACR >2.5 for men and >3.5 for women)
- Moderate to severe CKD (eGFR <45)
- Previous diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia
- SBP >180 or DSP >110
- Serum total cholesterol >7.5
For which T2DM patients are SGLT2i indicated, and what benefit do they confer?
For those in the setting of CVD and insufficient glycaemic control despite metformin, to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events and decrease the risk of hospitalisation and heart failure
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, there is autoimmune beta cell destruction which leads to insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes results from a progressive insulin secretory defect on the background of insulin resistance
Which specific group of T2DM patients may benefit from targeting BP <120mmHg?
Those in whom prevention of stroke is prioritised
Which adults with T2DM should receive maximum tolerated dose of a statin, irrespective of their lipid levels?
Those with known prior CVD (except hemorrhagic stroke)
In which group of T2DM should fibrates be used?
In those with known prior CVD, fibrates should be added to a statin (or commenced alone if intolerance to statin), when their fasting triglycerides are greater than or equal to 2.3 or HDL is low (and fenofibrate has fewer adverse effects than others) - it also reduces the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
For adults with T2DM and known prior CVD, who are already on max statin dose (or intolerant to the same), if fasting LDL remains greater than or equal to 1.8, consider commencing one of which 3 drugs?
Ezetimibe (first line), bile acid binding resin or nicotinic acid (rarely used)
Which T2DM patients should receive long term anti-platelet therapy (unless contraindicated)?
Those with known prior CVD
All adults with T2DM and history of ischaemic stroke or TIA should receive what therapy?
Low dose aspirin or clopidogrel, or combination low dose aspirin and extended release dipyidamole
All T2DM patients with recent ACS and/or coronary stenting should receive what therapy for 12 months after?
Dual anti-platelet therapy
All T2DM patients with a history of CAD but no acute event in the past 12 months should receive what therapy?
Long term low dose aspirin, or long term clopidogrel if intolerant to aspirin
T2DM patients should be screened for retinopathy at what point?
At the time of diagnosis, and then with frequency tailored to risk (1-2 years if minimal risk, annually if higher risk)
Give some examples of T2DM patients who are at higher risk of retinopathy
Longer duration of diabetes, suboptimal glycaemic management, suboptimal BP or lipid control, people from a non-English speaking background, ATSI
Which 2 variables should be optimised to delay onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy, as well as to prevent and delay the progression of CKD?
BP and glucose
What medication, in addition to statins, may slow the progression of established diabetic retinopathy
Fenofibrate
True or false? The presence of retinopathy in T2DM is a contraindication to aspirin therapy for cardioprotection
False. Aspirin does not increase the risk of retinal haemorrhage.
What factors can be used to risk stratify patients with T2DM in regards to foot health/microvascular complications?
Previous foot ulceration and amputation, structural abnormalities and ulceration on examination, presence of neuropathy
What is the recommended management for T2DM patients who are at intermediate-high risk of foot microvascular complications?
Foot protection program - includes foot care education, podiatry review and appropriate foot care
What are the general principles of wound/ulcer care in T2DM patients?
Provision of physiologically moist wound environment and off-loading the ulcer
In T2DM patients stratified as having low-risk feet (where no risk factors or previous foot complications have been identified), how often should foot examination occur?
Annually
How often should ACR and eGFR be tested in T2DM patients?
At least once a year
What is the recommended treatment for T2DM patients and CKD with either HTN or albuminuria, to delay the progression of the CKD?
ACE or ARB
At what points should creatinine and potassium be monitored in T2DM patients who take an ACE or ARB?
At baseline, within 1-2 weeks of initiation or titration, and during times of acute illness
List some groups of T2DM patients for which a HbA1c target of < 8% might be appropriate (as opposed to the general recommendation of <7%)
History of severe hypoglycaemia, limited life expectancy, advanced microvascular or macrovascular complications, extensive comorbid conditions or long-standing diabetes in which the goal is difficult to achieve despite optimal management including insulin
How is gestational diabetes defined?
Glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy
What are the 2 major metabolic dysfunctions in T2DM?
- Insulin resistance
- Followed by pancreatic islet cell destruction, causing a relative insulin deficiency.
The relative deficiency leads to chronic hyperglycaemia and disturbances in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
List at least 3 causes of secondary diabetes
Diseases of the exocrine pancreas (pancreatic cancer, CF, haemochromatosis)
Metabolic
Drug-induced
List at least 5 groups of people who are considered high risk of T2DM, regardless of the AUSDRISK score
- People 40+ years who are overweight or obese;
- People of any age with IGT or IFG;
- People with first degree relatives with diabetes;
- All patients with hx of cardiovascular event;
- Women with GDM;
- Women with PCOS;
- Those on antipsychotics;
- Indigenous Australians;
- High risk backgrounds such as pacific islanders
What is the only test available that detects impaired fasting glucose?
OGTT
HbA1c is a better predictor of which outcomes cf FBG and OGTT?
Better predictor of macrovascular disease
At what HbA1c threshold does microvascular disease escalate?
6.5%
List some of the scenarios in which HbA1c may lack accuracy
- Acute onset glycaemic states such as pancreatitis, rapid onset of glycaemia with sepsis and steroid use;
- Within 4 months post-partum;
- In people with haemoglobinopathy or haemolysis or advanced CKD;
- People with iron deficiency (artificially elevated);
- People who have recently had a blood or iron transfusion
List the thresholds for FBG where diabetes is unlikely, possible or likely, and the subsequent recommendations
<5.5 unlikely (retest in 3 years);
5.5-6.9 possible (OGTT);
>7 fasting or random >11.1 likely (confirm with repeat FBG)
List the thresholds for OGTT and what they indicate, and the subsequent recommendations
Fasting glucose <6.1 and 2 hour < 7.8 unlikely (retest 3 years);
Fasting 6.1-6.9 and 2 hour <7.8 IFG (retest 1 year);
Fasting glucose <7 and 2 hour 7.8-11.1 IGT (retest 1 year); Fasting >7 and 2 hour >11.1 diabetes
List the thresholds for HbA1c where diabetes is unlikely, possible or likely, and the subsequent recommendations
<6% unlikely (retest 3 years);
6-6.4% high risk/possible (retest 1 year);
>6.5% likely (confirm with repeat HbA1c)
What is the difference between diagnosis of diabetes in a symptomatic vs asymptomatic patient?
Any person with symptoms suggestive of hyperglycaemia need only 1 confirmatory test (or if in hyperglycaemic crisis) - single elevated FBG >7, single HbA1c >6.5% or random BGL >11.1
What are the clinical symptoms suggestive of diabetes? (Name 7)
Lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, frequent infections, blurred vision, loss of sensation (touch, vibration, cold), poor wound healing, weight loss
List at least 3 signs of insulin resistance
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Skin tags
- Central obesity
- Hirsutism
Describe acanthosis nigricans
Hyperpigmentation accompanied by velvety change in texture of skin. Common in neck and axillae.
How is central obesity defined?
By a high hip-to-waist ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, and waist circumference
What are the diagnostic criteria fo T2DM in asymptomatic patients (in each of the 3 biochemical tests)
HbA1c greater than or equal to 6.5% on 2 separate occasions;
FBG greater than or equal to 7, or random BGL greater than or equal to 11.1 confirmed by a second abnormal FBG on a separate day;
OGTT where FBG greater than or equal to 7 immediately or greater than or equal to 11.1 after 2 hours.
List 2 special tests that can be used in the diagnosis of T1DM, which are positive in 90% of cases
GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase)
IA-2 antibodies (insulinoma antigen 2)
What is latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA)? What is significant about this particular subtype of diabetes?
Diabetes with beta islet cell antibodies that occurs more commonly in adulthood. Presents similarly to T2DM but there is more rapid destruction of the islet cells and poorer metabolic response to non-insulin therapy
What is monogenic diabetes? How is this subtype of diabetes unique?
A collection of single-gene mutation disorders that account for 1-2% of diabetes cases. Usually develop before age 25 and often do not require insulin.
At what points should HbA1c be measured in a known diabetic patient?
3 monthly in newly diagnosed patients.
When undergoing therapeutic changes.
Where the HbA1c is outside of the individualised target. Less often in stable patients who have reached the agreed targets (but at least yearly for the cycle of care).
According to the MBS diabetes cycle of care, what investigations/examinations should be performed every 6 months?
Height, Weight, BMI, foot exam and BP
According to the MBS diabetes cycle of care, what item of care should be provided every 2 years?
Comprehensive eye examination
What formal tests should be ordered every 12 months according to the MBS diabetes cycle of care?
HbA1c, lipids, microalbuminuria (ACR)
What management should be instigated for patients with IGT or IFG?
Lifestyle intervention programs to achieve and maintain 7% weight reduction, and increase moderate-intensity activity to at least 150 minutes/week
How is metabolic syndrome related to development of T2DM?
It confers a 3-5 fold risk of developing T2DM.
The metabolic syndrome is diagnosed based on which factors? (Name 4)
- Increased waist circumference
- High triglycerides
- Low HDL
- High BP
- High fasting glucose
What is the difference in C-peptide measured in T1 and T2DM?
In T1DM, C-peptide will be below the normal range < 0.2;
In T2DM, C-peptide will be normal or above >0.2
List at least 3 types of antibodies which might be positive in T1DM
IAA; ICA; GAD; IA-2; IA-2beta; AnT8
Early onset T2DM is defined as occurring under the age of ___
40
List at least 5 risk factors for early onset T2DM
Obesity, sedentary behaviour, ethnicity, low SES, strong family history, in utero exposure to T2DM, low birth weight
List 5 complications in early-onset T2DM compared to older onset disease
- Reduced life expectancy (more than a decade)
- Earlier onset of micro and macrovascular complications
- Higher lipids despite treatment
- Diastolic hypertension
- Increased risk of earlier cognitive decline
List the 5 realms of lifestyle modification that are paramount to management of T2DM
- Physical activity
- Diet
- Weight
- Smoking cessation
- ETOH consumption
The physical activity goal for patients with T2DM, IFG or IGT is to accumulate a minimum of _____ minutes/week of moderate exercise, with no more than __ consecutive days without training
210; 2
How many hours after exercise can post-exercise hypoglycaemia occur in patients with T2DM on insulin or sulphonylureas?
12-15 but up to as long as 48
Explain how an insulin-dependent diabetic should be instructed to manage their BGLs whilst exercising
Check BGL before (ideal = 5-13.9) and during exercise, every 30-45 minutes and adjust medication and carbohydrates as needed (carry sugar load at all times)
List at least 3 classes of medications which are associated with weight gain in diabetes
Insulin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, second generation antipsychotics (olanzapine and clozapine), beta blockers, TCAs, lithium, pizotifen, valproate and steroids
Adults at high absolute risk of CVD should be simultaneously treated with which 2 pharmacological therapies?
Lipid and BP lowering medications
Commencing a SGLT2i in patients with T2DM in the setting of CVD and poor glycaemic control is known to reduce which risks?
Risk of CVD and hospitalisation for heart failure
For high CVD risk T2DM patients, what are the recommendations for lipid lowering therapy?
Should be on maximum tolerated dose of a statin, irrespective of lipid levels. A fibrate should be started in addition to the statin when fasting triglycerides are greater than or equal to 2.3, or HDL is low. And ezetimibe should be added on if LDL remains high.
Which fibrate medication presents a lower risk of adverse events when used in combination with statins?
Fenofibrate
What is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes?
CVD
When should patients with T2DM be assessed for CVD risk?
At the time of diagnosis, then again at frequencies depending on risk.
Low risk every 2 years;
Moderate risk every 6-12 months,
High risk as clinically indicated
What did the Look AHEAD study find, in relation to lifestyle interventions in diabetes management?
Lifestyle intervention focussed on weight loss improved HbA1c and QOL, but did not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity or mortality
What are the benefits of ACE-I and ARBs in T2DM?
Decreases rate of progression to albuminuria, promotes regression to normoalbuminuria and may reduce the risk of decline in renal function
Conditions that alter kidney function may increase the risk of ______ _____ in patients on metformin
Lactic acidosis
What is the basic mechanism of action of sulfonylureas?
Insulin secretagogues
Which patients who take sulfonylureas are at particular risk of hypoglycaemia?
Those with kidney impairment and the elderly, particularly because of the long duration of action
What are incretins?
Neuroendocrine hormones produced by the GIT in response to food - they stimulate insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion i.e., GLP
What are the major incretin hormones, and how are these metabolised?
Glucagon-like peptide (GLP) and glucose-dependent insulinopropic polypeptide (GIP) - metabolised by dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP4)
Name the 2 types of incretin mimetic drugs that are effective in the management of T2DM
Oral DPP4 inhibitors and injectable GLP-1 analogues (receptor agonists)
What is the family name for the DPP4 inhibitors?
Gliptins
What are the perioperative recommendations for SGLT2 inhibitors?
Cease 3 days pre and postoperatively to reduce the risk of ketoacidosis, dehydration, renal impairment and UTI. Cease for surgery or procedures that require 1+ days in hospital and/or bowel preparation. For day procedures, they may be ceased just on the day of the procedure. Can be restarted when eating normally.
Which oral T2DM medication class is the only one which must be stopped when adding insulin?
Sulfonylurea
Why are sulfonylureas still recommended as the second line treatment option for T2DM?
They achieve similar reductions in HbA1c to other second-line oral agents, they have long-term safety data and beneficial microvascular outcome date; they are cost effective for the healthcare system
Why are short acting sulfonylureas preferred to long-acting ones?
Less likely to cause hypoglycaemia; gliclazide can avoid escalation to insulin treatment for longer than long-acting sulfonylureas, long-acting sulfonylureas have metabolites that are excreted renally and therefore not so good in renal impairment (both short acting are metabolised by the liver)
When should patients with T2DM be referred to an optometrist for evaluation of retinopathy?
At the time of diagnosis
The minimal interval for retinopathy screening for patients with no or minimal retinopathy is how long?
1-2 years (or more frequently if higher risk) - annually for ATSI
When should T2DM patients be screened for retinopathy during pregnancy?
Before (or in first trimester), then monitored every trimester and for 1 year post partum
List 2 conditions that are associated with charcot osteoarthropathy
Diabetes and chronic alcoholism (due to the association with peripheral neuropathy)
Any peripheral neuropathy is also associated with Charcot’s - i.e., syphilis, leprosy, spinal cord injury
Describe the appearance of Charcot Osteoarthropathy of the foot and what imaging findings may be supportive
Foot will be hot, tender and swollen. Plan XR will be normal but MRI will show bone marrow oedema
Which oral T2DM medication has evidence of reduction in cardiovascular death in patients with T2DM and cardiovascular disease?
Empagliflozin (SGLT2i) - reduces risk of hospitalisation for heart failure and overall mortality, and slows progression of kidney disease
What parameters for waist circumference predict increased risk of obesity-related consequences?
Greater than 94cm in men and 80cm in women.
High risk is above 88 in women and 102 in men.
What medication class is not recommended in T2DM patients on VLEDs, and why?
SGLT2 inhibitors(risk of euglycemicketoacidosis)
Which weight loss drugs can be considered in T2DM as adjuncts to lifestyle measures in those with BMI greater or equal to 27?
Phentermine (sympathomimetic amine, i.e., Duromine), orlistat (inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipase); glutide(glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist); combined naltrexone and bupropion
List the 3 main bariatric surgery options available in Australia for T2DM patients.
Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG);
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB);
Biliopancreatic diversion;
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)
What is a sleeve gastrectomy?
Removes proportion of the fundus and body of stomach, reducing the volume from 2.5L to 200mL. Provides fixed restriction and does not require adjustments (such as in gastric banding)
What is a Roux-en-Y bypass?
A combination procedure in which a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake and the lower stomach, duodenum and first part of the jejunum are bypassed to produce modest malabsorption of nutrients and thereby caloric intake
What is biliopancreatic diversion surgery?
A combination procedure that involves removing the lower part of the stomach and bypassing the duodenum and jejunum to produce significant malabsorption.
List some of the advantages of metabolic surgery in obese T2DM patients
Reduces micro and macroascular complications, reduces mortality (can prevent or delay the onset of T2DM in patients who are obese and at risk).
According to the RACGP, which groups of T2DM patients should be considered for bariatric surgery?
BMI >30 in those with suboptimal BGLs, increased CVD risk and not achieving medical targets with medical therapy.
How does alcohol consumption affect BGLs in T2DM?
Interferes with the action of insulin, insulin secretagogues and glucagon, and thereby increases the risk of hypoglycaemia in patients taking these medications. It can also impede hypoglycaemia awareness.