Diabetes

Question 1

What are the 3 symptoms most associated with diabetes?

Answer 1

• polyurea
• polydipsia
• polyphagia

Question 2

Why does hyperglycemia cause polyurea?

Answer 2

• glucose is an osmotic molecule
• high levels in the urine, have an osmotic effect and pulls water into the urine when excreted by the kidneys, which increases UO

Question 3

Why does hyperglycemia cause polydipsia?

Answer 3

• the thirst center of the brain is triggered by the high serum osmolarity and UO created by the high levels of glucose

Question 4

Why does hyperglycemia cause polyphagia?

Answer 4

• the inability to use glucose as an energy source leads to ketogenesis by increasing lipolysis of fatty acids in adipose tissue and the liver
• the increased catabolic activity causes hunger, weakness and weight loss

Question 5

What is the name for the rapid, shallow breathing pattern seen in patients during DKA?

Answer 5

• Kussmaul Breathing
• smells fruity d/t the presence of ketone bodies

Question 6

What are the signs/symptoms of a patient in Diabetic-Keto-Acidosis?

Answer 6

• polyurea - weakness
• polydipsia - fatigue
• polyphagia - tachycardia
• N/A - HA
• kussmaul breathing
• altered LOC (more in HHS)

Question 7

What are the signs/symptoms of a patient in Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS)?

Answer 7

• polyurea - weakness
• polydipsia - fatigue
• polyphagia - tachycardia
• N/V - HA
• altered LOC

Question 8

What are the chronic adverse physiological effects seen in patients with uncontrolled DM?

Answer 8

1) neuropathy causing
- paresthesia
- increased wound/infection risk
2) nephropathy causing
- increased risk of CKD
3) retinopathy
4) ASCVD causing
- CAD, PAD, PVD
- TIA, MI

Question 9

What labs should be drawn if a patient is thought to be in a hyperglycemic crisis?

Answer 9

• ## BG