Endocrine Flashcards
Define diabetes mellitus
A persistent state of hyperglycaemia due to the body’s inability to properly utilise glucose
Compare the two different types of diabetes mellitus
T1DM - pancreas does not produce any insulin due to beta-cells in islets of Langerhans being destroyed
T2DM - relative insulin deficiency and/or resistance
What is T2DM commonly associated with?
Obesity, physical inactivity, HTN, dyslipidaemia, tendency to develop thrombosis
Explain the signs and symptoms of DM
Polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia - osmotic diuresis
Lethargy - inability to utilise glucose to provide energy
Weight loss - breakdown of body protein and fat as alternative energy sources as glucose is unavailable
Describe the different types of insulin available
Short acting
Intermediate
Long acting
Ultra long acting
When is short acting insulin used and why?
Mimics usual increases of insulin around meal times.
Soluble insulins are injected 15-30mins before meals, onset is 30-60m, peak action is 1-4h and duration is <9h.
Human insulin analogues are injected just before, with or just after a meal, onset is faster, peak action is 0-3h and duration is 2-5h.
What is the onset, peak action and duration of intermediate and long acting insulins?
Onset 1-2h, peak 3-12h, duration 11-24h.
Provide baseline
What ADRs are associated with insulin?
Local reactions at injection site
Hypoglycaemia
Hypersensitivity
What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?
Obesity
Family history of DM
Unexplained stillbirth or death of a neonate in a previous pregnancy
Very large infant in a previous pregnancy
Previous history of gestational diabetes
Family origin south Asian, black Caribbean or middle eastern
What are the glucose targets?
Pre-prandial 4-7mmol/L
Post-prandial <9mmol/L
What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
Feeling shaky Sweating Hunger Tiredness Pallor Blurred vision Headaches Irritability
What are the causes of hypoglycaemia?
Too much insulin Delayed/missed meal or snack Not eating sufficient carbohydrates Excess physical activity Drinking large amounts of alcohol
What is the treatment for hypoglycaemia in a conscious patient?
15-20g fast acting carbohydrate
15-20g slower acting carbohydrate to prevent levels dropping low again
Blood glucose retested after 15-20mins and treatment repeated if levels <4mmol/L
What is the treatment for hypoglycaemia in an unconscious patient?
Recovery position
Glucagon injection
Ambulance
Define hyperglycaemia
Pre-prandial >7.5mmol/L
2h post-prandial >8.5mmol/L
What are the symptoms of hyperglycaemia?
Excessive thirst
Passing more urine than usual
Headaches
Tiredness/lethargy
What are the causes of hyperglycaemia?
Missing doses of medication Eating more carbohydrates than the body or medication can cope with Stress Concurrent infections Over treating a hypoglycaemic episode
What is the main purpose of energy homeostasis in the fed state?
Store calories
What changes does insulin induce?
Glucose stored as glycogen in muscle and liver
Glucose used as fuel in muscle
Glucose carbons and calories sorted in fatty acids
Switched off glycogen degradation and gluconeogenesis
What effect does insulin have on lipid metabolism?
Glucose-> fatty acids
Fatty acid storage in adipose
Describe protein metabolism by the liver
Fed state - excess amino acids deaminated
Fasting - amino acids a major source of glucose (gluconeogenesis)
Glucagon => increased uptake, deamination and urea cycle activity
How is liver glycogen metabolism controlled?
Glycogen - stimulates PKA when blood glucose is scarce. FBPase2 is activated. Glycolysis is inhibited, and gluconeogenesis is stimulated.
High levels of fructose-6-phosphate stimulate phosphoprotein phosphatase. PFK2 is activated. Glycolysis is stimulated and gluconeogenesis is inhibited.
What occurs during the well-fed state?
Glucose and amino acids from food enter the blood stream and reach the liver via the portal vein.
Triacylglycerol from food is packed into chylomicrons and absorbed via the lymphatic system.
Insulin is secreted to stimulate the storage of fuels:
Glycogen synthesis occurs in the liver and muscles
Glycolysis occurs in the liver which generates acetyl-CoA for FA synthesis
Triglycerides are stored in adipose tissue
What effect does insulin have during the well-fed state?
Liver
- switch off glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to reduce glucose output
- switch on glycolysis - increased acetyl CoA to increase FA synthesis
Adipose
- switch off hormone sensitive lipase to reduce FA production and increase fat storage
Muscle
- increase GLUT4 expression - increased glucose uptake to increase use of glucose as fuel and decrease use of FAs
Brain
- decreased appetite