Endocrine Health - Diabetes Mellitus Flashcards
Q: What hormone is released when blood glucose levels are high, and what effect does it have?
A: Insulin is released, stimulating glucose uptake in cells.
Q: What hormone is released when blood glucose levels are low, and what is its effect?
A: Glucagon is released, promoting glucose release from glycogen, fatty acids, and gluconeogenesis.
Q: What is the role of GLUT1 in glucose transport?
A: GLUT1 facilitates basal glucose uptake without insulin.
Q: How does GLUT4 contribute to glucose uptake, and what makes it unique?
A: GLUT4 is insulin-regulated and can increase glucose uptake by 20-30 fold.
Q: What role does GLUT2 play in glucose regulation?
A: GLUT2 mediates glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
Q: How is Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) upregulated, and what is its effect?
A: AMPK is upregulated by physical activity, PGC1⍺ activity, or cold temperature, which increases energy expenditure.
Q: What is G6PC2, and how does it affect blood glucose?
A: G6PC2 is glucose-6-phosphate, a glucose storage molecule. The SNP G6PC2 (rs560887) is associated with higher fasting blood glucose levels.
Q: Define Diabetes Mellitus (DM).
A: Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia due to deficient insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both.
Q: What causes Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)?
A: T1DM is caused by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency.
Q: How does Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) differ from Type 1?
A: T2DM is due to insulin resistance or a relative insulin deficiency rather than an absolute deficiency.
Q: What is prediabetes, and what are the associated risks?
A: Prediabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, with an increased risk of developing T2DM and metabolic syndrome.
Q: What is gestational diabetes, and what are its implications?
A: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, usually resolving post-pregnancy but increasing the risk of future T2DM.
Q: What can cause secondary diabetes?
A: Secondary diabetes can result from pancreatic diseases (e.g., chronic pancreatitis), acromegaly, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or corticosteroid treatment.
Q: What are the normal, prediabetic, and diabetic ranges for fasting plasma glucose?
A: Normal: Below 5.5 mmol/l (100 mg/dl); Prediabetes: 5.5 to 6.9 mmol/l (100 to 125 mg/dl); Diabetes: 7.0 mmol/l or more (126 mg/dl or more).
Q: What is the random plasma glucose level indicative of diabetes?
A: A random plasma glucose level of 11.1 mmol/l or more (200 mg/dl or more) indicates diabetes.
