Diabetes and Obesity Flashcards
Which are the two hormones that regulate blood glucose and where are they secreted?
Insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose. They are secreted from the pancreas.I
Describe the role of insulin in blood glucose homeostasis. What stimulates the production of insulin and how does it affect BG levels?
Insulin lowers BG levels by signalling cells to take up glucose from blood. Insulin production from pancreatic ß-cells is stimulated by hyperglycaemia.
Describe the role of glucagon in blood glucose homeostasis. What stimulates the production of glucagon and how does it affect BG levels?
Glucagon elevates BG levels by signalling liver to catabolise glycogen stores into glucose. Glucagon production from pancreatic alpha-cells is stimulated by hypoglycaemia.
The normal fasting blood glucose level is between 2.4-4.9mmol/L. True or False?
False - Normal fasting BG level is between 3.0-5.4mmol/L. After eating, the normal level may be up to 7.7mmol/L.
Several hormones may increase blood glucose but only insulin may decrease it. What are the hormones than can raise the level of glucose in the blood?
- Glucagon
- Adrenaline
- Cortisol
- Growth hormone
- Thryoid hormone
What is the condition resulting from hyperglycaemia characterised by glucose in the urine?
Glycosuria. If kidneys have reached the capacity for glucose re-absorption, excess glucose appears in the urine.
Describe the condition polyphagia.
A clinical condition following hyperglycaemia, in which cell stores of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are depleted, because cells are unable to take up glucose from blood to convert to energy.
Polydipsia is a condition in which increased urine output due to hyperglycaemia causes dehydration. True or False?
True.
Describe the BG levels required to diagnose diabetes mellitus.
Fasting plasma glucose ≥7mmol/L
Random plasma glucose ≥11.1mmol/L
Explain the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and how it assists the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
Patient fasts overnight. Ingests 75g glucose drink. Blood glucose after 2 hours of ≥11.1mmol/L is prognostic of diabetes.
What characterises Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 is insulin-dependent; insulin production is insufficient due to autoimmune destruction of ß-cells. Usually diagnosed in childhood. Development of type 1 depends mostly on genetic factors.
What characterises Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 is non-insulin-dependent; patients are insulin-resistant. Insulin receptors decrease in number and response. Blood glucose remains high as cells cannot take it up from blood. Diagnosed in adulthood and is a “lifestyle disease”.
What are the risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes?
- Overweight & obesity
- Diet high in simple sugars, calories, saturated fats
- Sedentary
- Smoking
- Metabolic syndrome
- Some genetic susceptibility
Why do recurrent, chronic infections and prolonged wound healing occur as symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
High blood glucose levels promotes microbial growth, leading to recurring, chronic infections. Poor blood supply inhibits healing processes.
Genital pruritis (e.g. thrush) is a common symptom of Type 2 diabetes. Why do you think type 2 patients suffer from this?
Kidneys are only able to process a certain quantity of glucose. When chronically hyperglycaemic, this excess glucose appears in the urine. High blood glucose in urine leads to fungal growth.
