Diabetes Flashcards
Diabetes definition?
Condition in which the body can’t make/use insulin properly, chronic
What does diabetes do to the body?
The pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body can’t effectively use it
- Leads to an increase concentration of glucose in the body (hyperglycemia)
- Insulin breaks down sugar for energy
Pancreas role in diabetes?
Releases hormones (beta cells) into the digestive system
Beta cells definition?
Releases insulin when blood glucose levels get too high
Insulin definition?
Hormone causes cells to take in glucose to use as energy/store as fat
- Reduces glucose levels, small clusters in pancreas
Describe type 1 diabetes
The immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the beta cells (cannot regenerate)
Result: Little to no insulin is released (endogenous), dependent on exogenous insulin for life
Develops: Usually in childhood/adolescence, onset (5%-10%)
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Symptoms: 3 Ps (polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia
Treatment for type 1 diabetes?
Kids/teens need insulin injections/an insulin pump
What is an insulin pump?
An insulin delivering device, worn on a belt or put in a pocket which delivers insulin throughout the day, releasing extra doses to handle blood sugar increase
- Connected to plastic tube, inserted into subcutaneous tissue
Describe type 2 diabetes
Occurs when the body can’t properly use insulin/doesn’t make enough insulin
Development: Usually later in life (90%)
What happens when the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces?
It is an insulin resistance
What happens to the insulin levels in type 2 diabetes?
They fluctuate between normal, elevated, and depressed
- Glucose often builds up
Risk factors and how to control them for type 2 diabetes?
Risk factors: family history, obesity, aging, sedentary lifestyle
Controlled by: weight loss, oral hypoglycemia agents, insulin
Diabetes risk factors?
- Prediabetes
- 45+
- Direct relative with type 2 diabetes
- African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Indigenous, Alaskan
- Overweight (in abdomen)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of DM
- History of gestational DM
- Delivering a baby >9 lbs
Symptoms of diabetes?
- Polyuria
- Tiredness
- Slow healing
- Irritable
- Headaches
- Weight changes
Describe gestational diabetes
Temporary condition during pregnancy when the body produces a large amount of hormones to help the baby grow (may result in an insulin resistance, unless the mother can produce enough insulin, the blood glucose levels rise)
- Low percentage
- Increased risk developing diabetes for mother and child
- Usually disappears after birth
Symptoms of gestational diabetes?
Like type 2
How is gestational diabetes recognized?
Found during a screening during pregnancy
What are the diabetes tests?
Fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, A1C
What is fasting blood glucose test?
No food/drink (besides water) at least 9 hours before the test
Diabetes= equal to or >7 mmol/L
What is the normal fasting blood sugar level before and after a meal?
Normal: 4-7 mmol/L
2 hrs after meal: 5-10 mmol/L
What is a random blood glucose test?
Done at any time, regardless of last time eaten
Diabetes= equal to or >11 mmol/L + symptoms
What is oral glucose tolerance test?
Patient drinks sweetened drink before test
Diabetes= equal to or >11 mmol/L two hours after drinking
What is A1C?
Done at any time, results reflect average blood sugar level of the past 2-3 months (higher A1C level= poorer blood sugar control, results in higher risk for diabetes complications)
- Measures hemoglobin percentage covered with sugar,
