Diabetes Flashcards
What are the three types of diabetes mellitus
Type 1: Total insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells.
Type 2: Insufficient insulin production and/or insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle factors.
Gestational: Diabetes first recognized during pregnancy; similar to Type 2 in pathophysiology.
What is the pathophysiology of diabetes and its signs & symptoms?
Hyperglycemia occurs due to lack of insulin or insulin resistance.
Too much glucose in blood → glucosuria, polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration.
Too little glucose in cells → fatigue, polyphagia, weight loss.
Other symptoms: Poor wound healing, recurrent infections.
Why does hyperglycemia occur in Type 1 diabetes?
Because insulin is not produced due to destruction of pancreatic β-cells.
Why does hyperglycemia occur in Type 2 and gestational diabetes?
Due to insulin resistance and/or reduced insulin production.
Which symptoms are caused by the kidney’s response to excess glucose?
Glucosuria & polyuria: Glucose pulls water into urine.
Polydipsia: Dehydration from water loss increases thirst.
What happens when dehydration increases plasma osmolarity?
Water moves from cells to plasma, causing cell dysfunction, which may lead to seizures or coma.
What symptoms and complications are caused by glycosylation?
Symptoms: Poor wound healing, infections.
Complications: Retinopathies, nephropathies, neuropathies, macrovascular disease.
What symptoms occur from glucose starvation in cells?
Polyphagia (increased hunger).
Weight loss due to fat and muscle breakdown
What are major complications of diabetes?
Retinopathies: Eye damage from weak, leaky blood vessels.
Nephropathies: Kidney damage from high pressure and protein loss.
Macrovascular disease: Atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke.
Neuropathies: Nerve damage causing numbness and pain.
DKA: Diabetic ketoacidosis from fat breakdown and ketone buildup.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
Fasting blood glucose test
Oral glucose tolerance test (esp. for GDM)
HbA1c test (shows average blood glucose over weeks/months)
What is the HbA1c test and what do results mean?
Measures % of hemoglobin with bound glucose.
Green: Good control (<55 mmol/mol).
Yellow: Sub-optimal (needs improvement).
Red: Poor control (urgent action needed).
How is Type 1 diabetes managed?
Insulin injections
Diet and activity
coordination
Regular glucose monitoring
Know signs of hypoglycemia & DKA
How is Type 2 diabetes managed?
Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, stop smoking
Glucose monitoring
Oral meds (like Metformin)
Insulin if needed
How is gestational diabetes managed?
Similar to Type 2 (diet, exercise, glucose checks)
Insulin during labor if needed
May influence delivery method due to fetal risks
What is hypoglycemia and why is it dangerous?
Caused by too much insulin or meds
Symptoms: Shaking, confusion, fainting
Dangerous for neurons, can cause seizures or coma
What does Metformin (Biguanide) do?
Increases insulin sensitivity
Risk: Lactic acidosis (esp. with alcohol)
Monitor: Kidney function & BGL
Hold 48 hrs before/after surgery or IV contrast
What does Glipizide (Sulfonylurea) do?
Boosts insulin release & blocks liver glucose output
Risk: Hypoglycemia, weight gain
Monitor: BGL before meals
Give before food, watch for sulfa allergies
What is Novorapid/Humalog (fast insulin)?
Rapid onset insulin (30–60 min peak)
Risk: Hypoglycemia
Monitor BGL, ensure meal after
Store in fridge, use within 30 days
What is Lantus insulin (long-acting)?
Steady insulin over 24 hrs
Monitor: BGL, site infection
Given at night, still used if hypo (treat hypo first)
What does Dulaglutide (GLP-1 agonist) do?
Mimics gut hormone that boosts insulin and slows digestion
Weekly injection
Risk: GI issues, weight loss, pancreatitis, a-fib
Monitor: BGL
What does Empagliflozin (SGLT-2 inhibitor) do?
Stops kidneys from reabsorbing glucose
Risk: UTI, dehydration, ketoacidosis
Monitor: BGL, ketones
Not for pregnant women
What is type 1 diabetes
diabetes total insulin deficency/ no effective insulin production
What is type 2 diabetes
Decreased insulin production and/ or insulin resistance
What is gestational diabetes
Diabetes with first onset diagnosis during preganacy
