Endocrine Dysfunction Flashcards
1
Q
Describe what diabetes mellitus is is.
A
- Abnormally high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia).
- Result of insufficient insulin or cells resisence to insulin
- High levels of glucose remain in the blood and is excreted in urine.
2
Q
State the possible symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
A
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
3
Q
Describe type 1 diabetes.
A
Blood Glucose level:
- Hyperglycaemia.
Onset:
- Early + rapid onset -occurs during childhood.
- Age dependant on rate of beta cell destruction.
Insulin production:
- Body does not produce enough insulin.
Cause:
- Destruction of beta cells - autoimmune response.
- Exact cause unkown.
- Influence by HLA genes.
management/treatment:
- Requires insulin injections to regulate blood glucose.
- Administered via automated pump.
4
Q
Describe type 2 diabetes.
A
Blood Glucose level:
- Hyperglycaemia.
Onset:
- Late onset - occurs during adulthood.
Insulin production:
- Body does not respond to insulin.
- Eventually cells become exhausted + cannot continue producing insulin.
Cause:
- Decrease function of insulin receptors.
- Lifestyle factors contribute to resistence.
management/treatment:
- Non insulin dependant.
- Managed by diet/lifestyle.
- Medication possibly required (not insulin !).
5
Q
Describe the the risks associated with leaving diabetes untreated.
A
- Kidney failure
- Heart attack
- stroke
- Amputations
- Blindness
- Nerve damage
6
Q
State 2 thyroid disorders.
A
- Hyper thyroidism (too much)
- Hypo thyroidism (too little)
7
Q
Describe hyperthyroidism.
A
Causes:
- Autoimmune - antibodies imitate TSH.
- Too much iodine.
- Tumor on pituitary gland.
Symptoms:
- Nervousness/anxiety.
- Tremors/muscle weakness.
- Goirtre (englarged thyroid)
Treatment:
- Medication.
- Radioiodine treatment.
- Surgery.
Example:
- Graves disease.
8
Q
Describe hypothyroidism.
A
Causes:
- Low iodine in diet needed to make T3 + T4.
- Autoimmune (destruction of thyroid cells).
- Treatment of hyperthyroidism.
- Pituitary dysfunction.
Symptoms:
- Goitre (enlarged thyroid).
- Fatigue - tiredness + muscle aches.
- Depression.
Treatment:
- Hormone replacement using synthetic thyroid hormones.
Example:
- Hashimotos disease.
9
Q
State 2 adrenal disorders.
A
- Hypercortisolism (too much).
- Hypocortisolism (too little).
10
Q
Describe hypocortisolism.
A
Causes:
- Insufficient cortisol + aldosterone.
- Destruction/dysfunction of adenal cortex.
- Usually caused by auto immune response.
- Gradual onset but progressive - dependant on degree of adrenal failure.
Symptoms:
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue/dizziness.
- Muscle weakening.
- Hyperpigmentation.
Treatment:
- Hormone replacement therapy.
Example:
- Addissons Disease.
10
Q
Describe hypercortisolism.
A
Causes:
- Too much cortisol - usually due to excessive ACTH.
- Commonly caused by tumor on pituitary.
- Excessive use of steroid medication.
Symptoms:
- High blood pressure.
- Weight gain.
- Moon face.
- Changes in mood/depression/anxiety.
Treatment:
- Dependant on cause.
- Reduction in steroid medication.
- Surgery to remove tumor.
- Medication to decrease cortisol production.
Example:
- Crushings Syndrome.
