Diabetes Mellitus Flashcards
Explain why DKA usually only occurs in Type I Diabetes and nit in Type II Diabetes?
DKA happens as a result of lack of insulin, which leads to fat metabolism and Ketones are a byproduct of fat breakdown. Type II diabetics usually have a small to normal amount of insulin, which is enough to prevent fat metabolism.
Explain how Type I Diabetes leads to Osmotic Duresis.
Type I Diabetes is characterized by a destruction of the pancreatic Beta cells which produce Insulin. Since there is no (very little) insulin, glucose from meals cannot be taken up into the liver for storage and instead remains in the blood. If the concentration of blood glucose exceed the renal threshold of 180 to 200 mg/dL, the kidneys cannot absorb all of the filtered glucose and the the excess will be excreted in the urine. Since glucose is an osmotic agent, water will follow glucose and will be excreted as well, this is called osmotic diuresis.
What are the classic clinical manifestations (3 P’s) of all types of Diabetes?
1) Polyuria
2) Polydipsia (increased thirst)
3) Polyuria (increased urination)
Although exercise is lowers blood glucose levels and reduce CV risk factors, why should diabetic patients with blood glucose levels above 250 mg/dL and ketones in the urine not exercise until their blood glucose level is close to normal?
Exercising with elevated blood glucose levels ⬆ the secretion of glucagon. The liver will then release more glucose resulting in a further ⬆ in blood glucose levels.
Explain the Glycated Hemoglobin (HgbA1c) test.
The HgbA1c test reflect blood glucose levels over a period of 2 to 3 months. When blood glucose levels are elevated, glucose molecules attach to hemoglobin in the RBC. The longer the the amount of glucose remains above normal, the more glucose binds to Hgb and the higher the HgbA1c level becomes. The glucose remains attached to the RBC for the remainder of its life (120 days).
What is the normal range for the HgbA1c test (what percentage of Hgb should be bound to glucose in a normal healthy person)?
4 to 6%
Which type of insulin can be administered intravenously?
Regular insulin (aka Short-acting insulin, Humulin R and Novolin R) is the ONLY insulin that can be given via IV!
List 3 examples of Rapid-acting Insulin?
1) Lispro (Humalog)
2) Aspart (Novolog)
3) Glulisine (Apidra)
What is the onset, peak and action of Rapid-acting insulin?
1) Onset - 15 mins
2) Peak - 1 hour (40 to 50 mins for Aspart/Novolog)
3) Duration - 3 to 5 hrs
What is the onset, peak and action of Short-acting insulin?
1) Onset - 30 mins to 1 hr
2) Peak - 2 to 3 hrs
3) Duration - 4 to 6 hrs
List 2 examples of Intermediate-acting Insulin (aka NPH)?
1) Humulin N
2) Novolin N
List 2 examples of Short-acting Insulin?
1) Humulin R
2) Novolin R
What is the onset, peak and action of Intermediate-acting insulin?
1) Onset - 2 to 4 hrs
2) Peak - 6 to 8 hrs
3) Duration - 12 to 16 hrs
Which insulin appears cloudy/white (instead of clear) in appearance?
Intermediate-acting insulin (aka NPH)
List 2 examples of Long-acting Insulin?
1) Glargine (Lantus)
2) Detemir (Levemir)
What is the onset, peak and action of Long-acting insulin (aka basal insulins)?
1) Onset - 2hrs
2) Peak - Continuous (no defined peak)
3) Duration - 24 hrs
Why should insulin not be injected into an extremity that the patient plans to exercise soon?
Because this will cause after absorption and may result in hypoglycemia.
Describe the difference between the following Morning Hyperglycemic conditions:
1) Insulin Waning
2) Dawn Phenomenon
3) Somogyi Effect
1) Insulin Waning - Progressive ⬆ in blood glucose from bedtime till morning.
2) Dawn Phenomenon - Normal blood glucose until about 3am, when the level begins to rise.
3) Somogyi Effect - Normal or elevated glucose at bedtime, a ⬇ at 2 to 3 am to hypoglycemic levels, and a subsequent ⬆ caused by the production of counter regulatory hormones.
Which two class of Oral Antidiabetic Drugs are called “Insulin Secretors” and why?
Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides are called insulin Secretors because their mechanism of action works to control blood glucose by stimulating beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin.
Give 3 specific drugs from the Sulfonylurea Class of Oral Antidiabetic.
1) Glipizide
2) Glyburide
3) Glimepiride
Give 2 specific drugs from the Meglitinide Class of Oral Antidiabetic.
1) Repaglinide
2) Nateglinide
Besides the common side effect hypoglycemia, name the 5 less common side effects of the two “Insulin Sereter” Class of of Oral Antidiabetic Drugs (Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides).
1) Skin reactions
2) Stomach upset
3) ⬆ Sensitivity to the sun
4) Brown urine
5) Weight gain
How should the RN instruct a patient to take a Sulfonylurea or Meglitinide?
1 to 2 times per day and BEFORE meals.
Describe the mechanism of action of the Biguanide (Metformin) Class of Oral Antidiabetic Drug.
Biguaides (Metformin) ⬇ hepatic production of glucose. Biguanides have no effect on pancreatic beta cells.