Diabetes

Question 1

Pathophysiology of diabetes. Type 1 DM.

Why can’t body produce insulin?

Answer 1

Immune system attacks cells that produce insulin.

Question 2

Pathophysiology of diabetes. Type 2 DM.

What causes high BGL?

Answer 2

Gradual decrease in production of insulin. Loss of cell responsiveness to insulin.

Question 3

Pathophysiology of diabetes.

What is glucagon?

Answer 3

Hormone produced in pancreas that regulates utilisation of glucose and fats.

Question 4

What is the Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) test ?

Answer 4

Gold standard test for assessing glycaemic control. Shows an average of BGL over past 10-12 weeks.

Question 5

What range of BGL is classified as diabetes? (mmol/l)

Answer 5

Random: 11.1 + mmol/l
Fasting: 7.0 + mmol/l
2 Hour post-prandial: 11.1 + mmol/l

Question 6

HbA1c test indication of diabetes.

Answer 6

48 mmol/mol

Question 7

HbA1c test indication of Pre Diabetes.

Answer 7

42 - 47 mmol/mol

Question 8

HbA1c test indication of normal.

Answer 8

Below 42mmol/mol

Question 9

What is pre-Diabetes?

Answer 9

Having BGLs higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
If left untreated, will progress to diabetes within 5/10 years.

Question 10

Normal physiology

Answer 10

Glucose stimulates release of insulin. Insulin stimulates glucose uptake by cells.