Diabetes Flashcards
What are the symptoms of hyperglycaemia?
polyuria
polydipsia (excessive thirst)
blurring of vision
urogenital infections
What are the symptoms of inadequate energy utilisation?
tiredness
weakness
lethargy
weight loss (Type 1)
What tests are used to diagnosis diabetes?
fasting glucose blood test
oral glucose tolerance test
HbA1c test
( random glucose blood test)
What is the easiest way of diagnosing diabetes in a Type 1 patient?
Use a ‘keto-stick’. Dip it in urine to detect the presence of ketones due to the elevated glucose concentration in the blood.
What is the treatment for Type 1 diabetes?
exogenous insulin (immediately) insulin given by subcutaneous injection several times a day
What things can cause insulin resistance?
central obesity muscle and liver fat deposition elevated circulating free fatty acids physical inactivity genetic influences
What is the treatment for Type 2 diabetes?
lifestyle changes - eating healthier, doing more exercise, stop smoking
try non-insulin therapies - tablets to stimulate beta cells to release more insulin/cells to be more receptive to insulin
oral hypoglycaemics eg. metformin
surveillance for any complications
insulin if necessary
What are the possible macrovascular complications of diabetes?
cerebrovascular/cardiovascular/peripheral vascular disease
stroke/heart attack/gangrene
intermittent claudication (not enough blood into leg muscles)
What are the possible microvascular complications of diabetes?
retinopathy - blindness
nephropathy
neuropathy - erectile dsyfunction/foot ulceration
Define hyperglycaemia and state the 2 main causes
Hyperglycaemia is when the glucose concentration in the blood is too high. (normal = 5mmol/L)
insulin deficiency: inability to produce insulin due to beta cell failure
insulin resistance: prevents insulin working effectively
