Diabetes Flashcards
What are the 3 major types of Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes.
What is the classification of Type 1 Diabetes?
Characterised by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells leading to ABSOLUTE INSULIN DEFICIENCY
Typically presents in childhood or adolescence
What is the classification of Type 2 Diabetes?
Results from a combination of insulin RESISTANCE and β-cell dysfunction.
Strongly associated with obesity and lifestyle factors.
More common in adults.
What is the classification of Gestational Diabetes?
Hyperglycemia with onset or first recognition
during pregnancy
What is the normal Fasting Glucose Level (mmol/l)
3.5 - 5.5 mmol/l
What is the prediabetic Fasting Glucose Level (mmol/l)
5.6-6.9 (mmol/l)
What is the diabetic Fasting Glucose Level (mmol/l)
≥ 7 mmol/L
Persistent Hypergylcaemia
What is the diabetic Random Blood Glucose Level (mmol/l)
≥ 11.1 mmol/L
Persistent Hypergylcaemia
What HbA1c is Diabetic? (mmol/mol)
48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or more
How would you diagnose type 2 diabetes in a symptomatic patient?
SINGLE abnormal HbA1c OR fasting plasma glucose level can be used
How would you diagnose type 2 diabetes in a asymptomatic patient?
REPEAT TESTING, preferably with the SAME TEST, to confirm the diagnosis.
If the repeat test result is normal, arrange to monitor the person for the development of diabetes
What do you do if Hba1c is difficult to interpret?
Use fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 7 mmol/L for diagnosis.
In what patient groups should HbA1c NOT be used? (8)
1) < 18 years
2) Pregnant women or 2 months postpartum.
3) Symptoms of diabetes for < 2 months.
4) High diabetes risk and acutely ill.
5) Taking medication that may cause hyperglycaemia (e.g. long-term corticosteroid treatment).
6) Acute pancreatic damage, including pancreatic surgery.
7) People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
8) People with HIV infection.
When is using Hba1c cautioned? (4)
1) Abnormal haemoglobin, such as haemoglobinopathy.
2) Severe anaemia (any cause). (Iron, B12, folate)
3) Altered red cell lifespan (e.g. post-splenectomy).
4) A recent blood transfusion.
Are oral glucose tolerance tests recommended?
No
What are the symptoms of Diabetes?
polydipsia
polyuria
blurred vision
unexplained weight loss (MORE COMMON IN T1D)
recurrent infections,
tiredness
What is acanthosis nigricans?
A skin condition causing dark pigmentation of skin folds, typically the axillae, groin, and neck, which suggests insulin resistance.
What is a typical feature of Type 1 Diabetes that is related to a patient’s weight?
In adults presenting with Type 1 Diabetes, a typical feature is a body mass index (BMI) below 25 kg/m²
What may be the first presentation of Type 1 Diabetes following a viral illness?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
SERIOUS COMPLICATION!
Body starts breaking down fats at an excessive rate, producing ketones as a by-product.
Leads to a buildup of ketones in the blood, causing the blood to become acidic.
Finger-prick blood glucose level ≥ 11.1 mmol/L
What are the key triggers for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
1) Uncontrolled diabetes
2) Missed insulin doses
3) Infection
4) Significant stress
What are the key symptoms for Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Frequent urination
Extreme thirst
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Weakness
Confusion
Distinctive fruity odour on the breath.
Is the routine measurement of C-peptide and diabetes-specific autoantibody titres recommended for confirming a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis?
No
How would you diagnose Type 1 Diabetes?
The diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes is primarily based on clinical symptoms and a random blood-glucose concentration ≥ 11.1 mmol/litre.