Diabetes Flashcards
What is the endocrine role of the pancreas?
secrete hormones to regulate blood glucose concentration
Exocrine Role of the Pancreas
Secretes digestive enzymes to help breakdown carbohydrates, fats and proteins for proper digestion and absorption
What are the 2 main cells found in the Islet of Langerhans?
Alpha cells
Beta Cells
What do Alpha cells secrete?
Glucagon
What do beta cells secrete?
Insulin
Does the brain require insulin?
No
Define Insulin
Peptide hormone released by beta cells when blood glucose levels rise
Define Glucagon
Hormone released by alpha cells when blood glucose levels fall
What are the 2 ways that glucagon raises blood sugar?
Glycogenolysis and Gluconeogensis
Define Glycogenolysis
The breakdown of glycogen (stored form of glucose) into glucose-1-phosphate, which is then converted into glucose-6-phosphate and used for energy.
Define Gluconeogenesis
The process by which the liver (and sometimes kidneys) produces new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, especially during fasting, starvation, or prolonged exercise.
Define Diabetes Mellitus
systemic disease of the endocrine system
What are the 3 pancreatic dysfunctions that can cause diabetes?
- not producing insulin
- not producing enough insulin
- insensitive to insulin
What does IDDM stand for?
Insulin Dependant diabetes mellitus
What is IDDM
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Absolute insulin deficency
- Hereditary link, typically diagnosed in childhood
- lifelong treatment with insulin exercise and diet
- Onset of symptoms is usually faster than compared to NIDDM
What does NIDDM stand for?
Non Insulin Dependant diabetes mellitus
What is NIDDM?
- decreased production of insulin by beta cells of pancreas and/or increased insulin resistance (diminished tissue sensitivity to insulin)
- typically occurs in adulthood (after age 35)
How does someone with NIDDM manage their diabetes?
Oral antidiabetic medications, exercise, and dietary regulation needed to control illness
What is the patho behind gestational diabetes
Increased GH and estrogen levels stimulate insulin release - cells become desensitized due to over secretion of insulin
What is required to diagnose diabetes
- Glucose tolerance test
- Urine Glucose Test
- History of certain signs and symptoms
- pt will have increased levels of glycosylated hemoglobin
What are some symptoms of diabetes
- always tired
- frequent urination
- sudden weight loss
- wounds that wont heal
- sexual problems
- always hungry
- blurry vision
- numb hands or tingling feet
- always thirsty
- vaginal infections
What are the 3 life-threatening emergencies that can occur from having diabetes
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperglycemia (diabetic ketoacidosis) or DKA
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS)
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?
T - Tachycardia
I - irritability
R - restlessness
E - Excessive Hunger
D - Diaphoresis
Symptoms will be triggered from the sympathetic system, as the body dumps adrenaline to compensate for the lack of glucose
What is DKA?
Profound insulin deficiency, usually associated with non-compliant Type 1 diabetic pts
