Endocrine Emergencies Flashcards
1
Q
Diabetes Mellitus
A
What is Diabetes?
OVERVIEW:
- group of metabolic disorders causing Hyperglycaemia due to decrease or total lack of insulin or reduced effectiveness of circulating insulin.
Two types of diabetes ; 1 = genetic , 2 = lifestyle induced
Gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy).
Secondary diabetes = occurs as a result of another condition.
Pancreas:
-Leaf shaped organ, 12-15cm long.
- Endocrine and Exocrine gland (secretes hormone directly into blood and enzyme into dust)
- 1-2% Islets of Langerhan (which are surrounded by capillaries) , where specialised cells produce the hormones glucagon and insulin.
Glucagon:
Increases blood sugar levels
Insulin:
Reduces blood sugar levels
Pathophysiology:
- blood glucose level rises
- feedback mechanism stops pancreas secreting any further insulin
- blood glucose level decreases
