Diabetes Flashcards
What hormone is responsible for increasing blood glucose levels?
Glucagon
Glucagon is secreted by the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low. It stimulates glycogen breakdown in the liver, increasing blood glucose.
What is an expected finding in hypothyroidism?
Bradycardia
Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, leading to bradycardia, fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
What are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Weight loss despite increased appetite
Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism, leading to weight loss, heat intolerance, tachycardia, and tremors.
What is a complication of untreated hypothyroidism?
Myxedema coma
Myxedema coma is a life-threatening condition caused by severe hypothyroidism, leading to hypothermia, respiratory failure, and coma.
What is the first-line treatment for hyperthyroidism?
Methimazole (Tapazole)
Methimazole reduces thyroid hormone production and is the primary drug for treating hyperthyroidism.
What lab test is used to diagnose hypothyroidism?
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) level
In primary hypothyroidism, TSH is elevated due to low thyroid hormone production.
What is the priority assessment after thyroidectomy?
Monitor for signs of hypocalcemia (e.g., tingling, muscle cramps)
Accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy can cause hypocalcemia.
What triggers diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Infection, stress, or missed insulin dose
DKA occurs in type 1 diabetes due to insulin deficiency, leading to hyperglycemia, ketone production, and metabolic acidosis.
What is the initial treatment for DKA?
IV fluids and insulin therapy
Fluid resuscitation corrects dehydration, while IV insulin lowers blood glucose and stops ketone production.
What is the key difference between DKA and HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome)?
DKA has ketonuria and metabolic acidosis; HHS does not
HHS occurs in type 2 diabetes with severe hyperglycemia but no ketones, while DKA occurs in type 1 diabetes with ketones and acidosis.
What hormone deficiency causes diabetes insipidus (DI)?
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) deficiency
DI results from insufficient ADH, leading to excessive urination and dehydration.
What is a key sign of SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH)?
Hyponatremia and low urine output
SIADH causes excessive water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia.
What is the treatment for Addison’s disease?
Corticosteroid replacement therapy
Addison’s disease is caused by adrenal insufficiency, requiring lifelong corticosteroid replacement (hydrocortisone, prednisone).
Why is it important to avoid abrupt corticosteroid discontinuation?
Risk of adrenal crisis
Sudden withdrawal can cause adrenal crisis, leading to severe hypotension, shock, and death.
What is an expected feature of Cushing’s syndrome?
Moon face and truncal obesity
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged corticosteroid excess, leading to fat redistribution, hyperglycemia, and hypertension.
What is the primary cause of pheochromocytoma?
Tumor in the adrenal medulla
Pheochromocytoma secretes excessive catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), causing hypertension, palpitations, and headaches.
What lab test is used to confirm pheochromocytoma?
24-hour urine test for catecholamines
This test detects excessive epinephrine and norepinephrine secretion.
What is a complication of prolonged hyperparathyroidism?
Osteoporosis and kidney stones
Excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases calcium release from bones, weakening them and causing kidney stones.
What dietary change helps in hyperthyroidism?
Increase calorie and protein intake
Hyperthyroidism increases metabolism, requiring higher calorie intake to prevent weight loss.
What is an early symptom of hypoglycemia?
Sweating and tremors
Hypoglycemia triggers the release of epinephrine, causing sweating, tremors, tachycardia, and confusion.
What is the priority treatment for hypoglycemia in an unconscious patient?
IV dextrose 50% (D50) push
Unconscious patients cannot take oral glucose; IV dextrose rapidly restores blood sugar.
What is the best indicator of diabetes control over time?
HbA1c test
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over 2-3 months and should be <7% for diabetic control.
What is the best time to administer insulin before meals?
30 minutes before meals
Regular insulin peaks within 2-3 hours, so it should be given before meals to match glucose absorption.
What foot care teaching is important for diabetics?
Inspect feet daily and wear well-fitted shoes
Diabetes causes neuropathy, increasing the risk of foot ulcers and infections.
