Diabetes Flashcards
What is the action of insulin?
Insulin binds to receptors on cell surface membranes and allows the passage of glucose into cells.
What is T1 diabetes?
This is autoimmune destruction of B cells of the pancreas. This means that there is no longer insulin production.
What is T2 diabetes?
This is caused by either:
Our cells being unable to utilise insulin our our insulin production not being sufficient.
What are common symptoms of hyperglycaemia?
Polyuria, Polydipsia, blurring of vision, recurring urogenital infections.
Diabetes leads to inadequate energy utilisation. How might this present?
Tiredness, lethargy, weakness and weight loss.
What happens when cells are unable to access glucose?
This means that other energy sources are found. Fat stores are broken down to produce ketone bodies. This can lead to ketoacidosis.
What is the typical treatment for T1 diabetes?
Subcutaneous insulin injections.
Why can obesity lead to diabetes?
Obesity, in particular central obesity means that it is likely that there will be fatty deposits in the liver and kidneys, affecting their function. This can lead to insulin resistance.
Name the micro and macro vascular consequences of diabetes.
Micro - nephrology, neuropathy, retinopathy. Foot ulcers etc.
Macro - Heart attack, gangrene, stroke
What happens in acute hypoglycaemia?
The patient can go into a coma because the brain requires glucose and there is no glucose in the blood.
What are the three lab tests which can be done to diagnose diabetes?
Oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose and HbA1C (but not for t1)
Explain why insulin resistance can lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin resistance means that the pancreas is stimulated to secrete more insulin. The B cells are working hard and eventually they wear out and can no longer produce sufficient insulin.
Why can exercise help to reverse the effects of T2 diabetes?
Exercise increases insulin sensitivity.
What three tissues are commonly affected by diabetes?
Retina of the eye, peripheral nerves and the kidney.
What are the actions of insulin on fat metabolism?
Clear up of free fatty acids, and reduction in lipolysis.