Endocrinology Flashcards
How do we diagnose Cushing’s?
Free cortisol in urine and low dose dexamethasone suppression test.
What are two main changes we seen in diabetic nephropathy?
Proteinuria
Hypertension
GLUT 4 is activated by insulin. True or false?
True; pumps glucose into the cell.
Can fat be converted to glucose?
No. Triglycerides are broken down into glycerol and NEFAs. GLYCEROL can be made into glucose.
Which is the last method of energy use - really only used in survival?
Degrading protein.
What is the order in which we use energy?
Glucose, then FAs, then ketones.
Why can fatty acids not be used by the brain?
Cannot cross the BBB. The brain instead uses ketones.
What is acetoacetate?
A ketone: will be used by the brain when there is not enough glucose.
Does insulin signal the fed or fasted state?
Fed state.
How does insulin influence ketone production?
Insulin decreases ketone production.
Why do we see glycosuria in diabetes?
Low insulin so glucose is not being taken up by cells.
How do we treat ketoacidosis?
Give insulin. Insulin lowers ketones.
Kussmaul breathing is characteristic of….?
Diabetic ketoacidosis. = deep, shallow breathing.
In which Diabetes do we see diabetic ketoacidosis?
T1DM; DO produce enough insulin in t2dm, but cells to reduce glucose are resistant.
How does insulin work?
Increases insulin sensitivity.
What is the cutoff for high fasting glucose levels?
> 7.0mmol/L
Which Diabetes has a stronger familial history?
t2dm.
Gliclazide is what type of Diabetic medication?
Sulphonylurea
Metformin is what type of Diabetic medication?
Biguanide
Give x3 causes of DKA
Diabetic ketoacidosis:
- Unknown
- infection
- no insulin
- new diagnosis of T1DM.
Give x5 clinical features of DKA
Polydipsia (increased thirst) Polyuria (increased urination) Sweating Abdominal pain Glycosuria, ketonuria
Where will you see Kussmaul’s breathing?
Diabetic ketoacidosis.
Give x3 metabolic defects with insulin deficiency
Proteolysis
Lipolysis
Glycogenolysis
Which structure is at the base of the hypothalamus?
The arcuate nucleus
Which are the two populations which stimulate/ inhibit food intake?
[In the arcuate nucleus]:
Stimulatory: NPY (neuropeptide Y), Agrp.
Inhibitory: POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin).
What affect does POMC have on appetite?
It inhibits appetite.
Could stimulation or inhibition of POMC cause obesity?
Inhibition of POMC; POMC works to inhibit appetite after sufficient food intake.
What is the relationship between leptin and body fat?
high body fat = high leptin (as compensation). Otherwise leptin is a satiety hormone.
Which hormone activates POMC?
Leptin; wants to signal satiety.
Which hormone resistance is obesity associated with?
Leptin resistance
Give two ways the patient may present with low leptin:
Hyperphagia
Fertility problems
What affect can insulin have on food intake?
Lower food intake
Which is the special functional group on Ghrelin?
A fatty acid.
Which neuron group does Ghrelin stimulate?
Stimulates the NPY/Agrp neurones; a hunger hormone
Which hormone has an opposite effect to Ghrelin - how so?
PYY;
Stimulates POMC
Inhibits NPY/Agrp.
What effect does PYY have on appetite?
Inhibits appetite.