Diabetes Flashcards
Which cells in the pancreas secrete insulin?
Beta cells in the pancreas secrete insulin.
Which cells in the pancreas secrete glucagon?
Alpha cells in the pancreas secrete glucagon.
What is the target range for blood glucose levels?
The target range for blood glucose levels is between 4-7 mmol/L, although ranges may vary.
Where does glucose homeostasis predominantly occur?
Glucose homeostasis predominantly occurs in the liver.
How is glucose stored and released in the liver?
Glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and released into the circulation between meals.
What does insulin do in glucose homeostasis?
Insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis (production of glucose) and facilitates the uptake of glucose
What does glucagon do in glucose homeostasis?
Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin. It promotes gluconeogenesis and raises blood glucose levels.
What is the relative insulin-to-glucagon ratio in the fed state?
In the fed state, the insulin-to-glucagon ratio is high (high insulin:glucagon)
What is the relative insulin-to-glucagon ratio in the fasting state?
In the fasting state, the insulin-to-glucagon ratio is low (low insulin:glucagon).
How is hypoglycaemia defined?
Hypoglycaemia is defined as blood glucose levels below 3.5mmol/L.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include sweating, tremor, nervousness, palpitations, and hunger due to the release of counter-regulatory hormones such as adrenaline and glucagon.
What are the neuroglycopenic symptoms associated with hypoglycaemia?
Neuroglycopenic symptoms of hypoglycaemia include confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, poor coordination, irritability (anger), and seizures. These symptoms occur due to the lack of glucose supply to the brain.
Who is prone to hypoglycaemic unawareness?
Insulin-dependent diabetics are prone to hypoglycaemic unawareness.
What are some causes of hypoglycaemia?
Causes of hypoglycaemia include insulinoma (an insulin-producing tumor in the pancreas), hypoadrenalism (reduction of glucocorticoids), alcohol consumption, severe liver failure, and the use of insulin or sulphonylureas.
What are the management options for hypoglycaemia?
The management options for hypoglycaemia include eating or drinking sugar, using Hypostop (a glucose gel), administering intravenous dextrose 20% (75mL), and administering intramuscular glucagon 1mg if intravenous access is not available.
What is diabetes mellitus (DM)?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by the dysregulation of insulin and glucagon, resulting in problems controlling blood sugar levels.
How do insulin and glucagon influence glucose transport into cells?
Insulin increases glucose absorption into cells and out of plasma, while glucagon raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver and upregulating gluconeogenesis.
What happens when there is too little glucose in cells?
Insufficient glucose in cells leads to a reduction in carbohydrate metabolism and decreased ATP production.