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