Diabetic Emergencies Mar 5 Flashcards
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
A disease which causes an inability for a person to maintain proper blood sugar levels
It is an endocrine system disease with many systemic effects.
What are the two types of Diabetes Mellitus?
- IDDM (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Type I)
- NIDDM (Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Type II)
What is the primary affected organ in Diabetes Mellitus?
Pancreas
What is the role of insulin in the body?
Insulin is produced by Beta cells in the pancreas and is used as a carrier molecule for glucose to be transported into cells.
What hormone do the pancreas’ Alpha cells produce?
Glucagon
What does glucagon do when blood sugar levels drop?
It causes the breakdown of glycogen and stored fats back into glucose for energy (glycogenolysis).
What is hypoglycemia?
A reduction in blood sugar lower than 4.0mmol/L
What are the three basic problems that can lead to hypoglycemia?
- Decreased food intake
- Increased insulin levels
- Increased activity level
What are common signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- Increased hunger
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Aggression
- Headache
- Tremors
- Possible seizures
- Tachycardia
- Pale, cool, clammy skin
- Decreased LOC, coma
What is the management for hypoglycemia?
- Maintain airway
- Administer O2
- Obtain BGL
- Administer medication (e.g., Oral Glucose, D50W, Glucagon)
- Document appropriately
What is hyperglycemia?
An increase in blood sugar levels above 11.0 mmol/L
What is diabetic ketoacidosis?
A condition where the body begins to break down fats into fatty acids, producing ketones and metabolic acidosis.
What are signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?
- Polydipsia
- Polyuria
- Polyphagia
- Ketone breath
- Abdominal pain
- Weak tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Decreased LOC, coma
What is hyperosmolar coma?
A condition characterized by hyperglycemia without the production of ketones.
What are common signs and symptoms of hyperosmolar coma?
- Decreased appetite
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Lethargy
- Tachypnea
- Hypotension
- Dehydration
- Decreased LOC, coma
What are the steps for blood glucose testing?
- Clean site with alcohol swab
- Use lancet to pierce skin
- Wipe away first droplet of blood
- Transfer blood to test strip
- Apply pressure and bandage
What are troubleshooting errors in blood glucose testing?
- Not wiping first drop of blood
- Glucometer calibration issues
- Expired test strips
- Not enough blood for a reliable sample
- Taking a venous sample instead of a capillary sample
True or False: Insulin is needed for neural tissue to transport glucose.
False
What percentage of diabetics have IDDM?
10%
What percentage of diabetics have NIDDM?
90%
What is the normal blood sugar level range?
4.0mmol/L - 8.0mmol/L
What is the importance of BGL testing?
BGL testing should be done on all patients and is as important as all other vital signs.
Fill in the blank: The body cannot transport glucose into the cells due to a lack of _______.
insulin
