Endocrine and metabolic systems Flashcards
Endocrine disorders
Pts with endocrine disorders may have decreased strength and energy to participate in therapy activities
Endocrine system components
Endocrine glands are scattered throughout the body
- pituitary glands
- adrenal glads
- thyroid glands
- parathyroid glad
- pancreas
- gonads
- pineal gland
- thymus
Endocrine system
Endocrine glands secrete hormones into blood which circulate to target cells in glands or tissues
- hormones: chemical messengers classified by action, source, or chemical structure (steroid and non-steroid)
- after acting on specific receptors/target cells, hormones are metabolized (excreted by kidneys) preventing excessive accumulation over time
- the release of hormones is negative feedback mechanism
- works with nervous systme to regulate metabolic activities
- the maintain well-controlled blood level of a substance a balance of several hormones is required (amount)
- the rate or timing of hormone secretions will affect overall hormone levels (when)
Causes of hormonal imbalance
Adenomas (most common cause) may be
- secretory - excess hormone
- destructive to gland - hormonal deficit
- resistant target cells - create a hormone deficit
- congenital/infection/vascular defects
Treatment
Depends on the cause of the problem
- hormone replacement therapy: may treat hormone deficits
- surgery/radiation: to treat adenomas causing excessive secretions
Insulin
From pancreas
- controls amount of blood sugar
- controls cellular uptake of glucose and liver glycogensis
- assists in synthesis of proteins and fats
- deficient insulin results in abnormal carbohydrate/protein/fat metabolism d/t the impaired transport of glucose and amino acids into cells
- adversely affects many tissues/organs
Diabetes mellitus
- blood sugar (glucose) levels are abnormally high
- the body does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs
- adversely affects many tissues and organs
Type 1
Insulin dependent (more severe form)
- the body does not produce insulin (autoimmune)
- typically diagnosed in children and young adults
- typically occurs around age 12
- autoimmune: body destroys B cells from islets of langerhans
- pathogensis: sudden onset
Type 2
Non-insulin dependent (more common)
- either thebody does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin
- d/t decreased production of insulin and decreased cellular sensitivity
- a milder form of diabetes
- gradual onset in older adults
- majority of these adults are overweight
Initial stage type 1
- decreased transport and use of glucose in many cells
- blood glucose levels rise (hyperglycemia)
- excess glucose spills into the urine as glucose level exceeds absorption capacity of the renal system
- increased urin production = loss of fluid from body tissues, leading to dehydration and thirst
- leach of nutrients entering cells stimulates appetite
Later stage type 1
- lack of glucose in cells results in catabolism of fats and proteins, leading to excessive fatty acids and ketones in the blood
- some diabetic patients test their urine for ketones
- as dehydration develops, excretion of acids becomes more limited which may lead to a diabetic coma
- occur more frequently in persons with type 1 diabetes
Signs of diabetes
- weight gain
- glycosuria
- polyuria
- weight loss
- fluid loss
- non-healing infections
- neuropathy
- gastroparesis
Symptoms of diabetes
- frequent urination
- constant thirst
- increased hunger
- fatigue
- tingling toes
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- N&V
Diagnostic tests diabetes
- fasting blood glucose level: >126 mg/dL taken on > one occasion confirms diagnosis of diabetes
- glucose tolerance test
- glycosylated hemoglobin test (HA1c): monitors long term control of blood glucose levels (normal 5-6%)
- urine tests
Treatment diabetes
- goal: 70-130 mg/DL * blood glucose levels before meals (normal range)
- 3 levels of control
1. Diet and exercise
2. Oral medication to increase insulin secretion or reduce insulin resistance
3. Insulin replacement
Diet and exercise diabetes
- Diet: based on maintaining optimum body weight - control of blood glucose levels - important for both types of diabetes - meal planning
- Exercise benies: increases muscle glucose uptake without increasing insulin utilization - weight control - reduces stress - improves fitness
Exercise prescription in DM
- low to moderate intensity 3-5x/wk including resistance and aerobic exercise is recommended
- at least 170 min/wk (40-80% vo2 max) increased cell sensitivity to glucose
- 180 min/wk including cycle ergo entry, treadmill, resistance exercises (leg press, seated abs, etc) improved vascular function
- ACSM: type 1: aerobic health and weight loss
Oral meds diabetes
- anti-diabetic agents or oral hypoglycemic drugs are useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
- certain drugs may help to reduce insulin resistance
- metformin, glucophage
Insulin replacement therapy
- injected subcutaneously
- biosynthetic form of insulin most frequently used
- continuous monitoring to prevent complications
- large fluctuation in blood glucose levels
- d/t variations in diet, physical activity level, the presence of infection, or alcohol use
- stable blood glucose levels reduce the risk
- complications may be acute or chronic
Hypoglycemia
Insulin shock
- acute complication d/t excess of insulin, causes deficit of glucose in the blood
- type 1 diabetes pats are most often affected
- occurs suddenly following: strenuous exercise, dosage error, vomiting, skipping a meal after taking insulin
- lack of glucose quickly affects nervous system
What to look for (diabetes)
- Impaired CNS: slurred speech - poor/lack of coordination - staggering gait
- Sympathetic system: increased pulse - pale/moist skin, anxiety, tremors
Treatment of diabetes
- immediate administration of concentrated carbohydrate
- hypoglycemia can be life threatening if it is not treated promptly
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Insufficient insulin
- high blood glucose levels and mobilization of lipids
- more common in type 1
- develops over a few days
- may be initiated by an infection or stress
Diabetic ketoacidosis S&S
- rapid, deep respiration’s
- an acetone breath (sweet, fruity smell)
- thirst N&V
- decreased urine output related to dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances
Electrolyte imbalances
- includes imbalances of sodium, potassium, and chloride
- signs include primarily abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting
- the individual may also experience lethargy and weakness
- treatment: administration of insulin and replacement of fluid/electrolytes
Chronic complications
- degenerative changes occur in many tissues with both types of diabetes
- several of the more common chronic complications associated with diabetes
- vascular problems
- neuropathy
- infections
- cataracts
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Neuropathy
- impaired sensation, numbness, tingling, weakness, and mm wasting
- symptoms dont follow typical dermatomes or myotome patterns (glove and stocking)
- results from ischemia and altered metabolic processes
- degenerative changes occur in both myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers
- increased risk of tissue trauma and infection
Infections
- due to vascular impairment, infections tend to be more common in this pt population
- healing is delayed due to the insulin deficit - increased glucose levels support infection
PT intervention
- Foot care: inspect feet, show wear, educate patient
- Balance training: proprioception, vestibular, and vision
- Cardiovascular exercise
- time of treatment will be important
CV exercise
- Short term:
- increased glucose uptake into skeletal muscles
- lower level of glucose in the blood for 48 hrs after exercise - Long term:
- increased insulin receptors on target cells
- increased affinity of receptors for insulin
- decrease CV complications
Pituitary hormones
- growth hormone (tissue growth)
- TSH: stimulates thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 (tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine: protein synthesis and metabolic regulation)
- calcitonin: calcium and phosphorus balance
- need to determine the source of the imbalance in hormaones controlled by the pituitary
- benign adenomas are most common cause of pituitary disorder
Pituitary mass
- enlarges and causes pressure on skull
- signs of pressure include increasing headaches, seizures, and drowsiness
- visual defects are also common
- tumor cells may secrete an excessive amount of a particular hormone
- the adenomas may destroy an area of pituitary cells, causing a deficit of a particular hormone
- tumors usually removed by surgery or radiation therapy
Growth hormone
- dwarfism: may be caused by deficit of growth hormone
- gigantism: results from excess growth hormone prior to puberty and fusion of the epiphyses
- acromegaly: the effects of excess growth hormone secretion in the adult, usually by an adenoma
Thyroid disorders
- disorders may result from pituitarty thyroid gland dysfunction
- goiter
- hyperthyroidism (grave’s disease)
- hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
- autoimmune condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone
- antibodies: an overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
- the condition is often referred to as an overactive thyroid
- related to an autoimmune factor
Graves
- hyperthyroidism
- autoimmune and genetic
- goiter, nervousness, heat intolerance, palpitations, diarrhea, decrease weight, eye protrusion
- Rx: meds, radioactive iodine, surgery
Goiter
- enlargement of thyroid gland
- often visible on the anterior neck
- caused by various hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions
- can become very large, compressing the esophagus and interfering with swallowing, or it can cause pressure on the trachea
Hypothyroidism
- hormone resistant or hormone deficit
- slows basal metabolic rate, bradycardia, decreased heat production, slowed neurological function
- Rx: meds (synthryoid)
- hashimotos’ disease
- thyroid inflammation
- decrease thyroid hormone
- fatigue, increased weight, cold sensitivity, difficulty with concentration, dry skin/hair/nails, muscle soreness, drowsiness
Adrenal dysfunctions
Idiopathic or autoimmune
- Hypercortisolism: cushing’s, excessive cortisol. -etiology meds or adenoma. - S&S hyperglycemia, HTN
- Adrenal insufficiency: addison’s, decreased cortisol. - etiology autoimmune or idiopathic. - S&S hypoglycemia, low BP