Endocrinology- Glucose Flashcards
48 year old woman
Presents with polyuria, polydipsia and fatigue for 4 months
Notably she is having to get up at night 4-5 times to pass urine
He has also more recently been experiencing episodes of blurred vision and dizziness
what do you do next
Next Steps:
Conduct a Focused Clinical Assessment:
Take a thorough medical history, including any family history of diabetes, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Perform a Physical Examination:
Check for signs of dehydration, weight loss, or other relevant findings (e.g., skin changes).
Order Laboratory Tests:
Measure fasting blood glucose levels.
If fasting glucose is ≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or random blood glucose is ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L), confirm with an A1C test.
Check for urinalysis to assess for glucose and ketones in the urine.
Evaluate for Other Causes:
Assess for potential causes of her symptoms, such as renal issues, urinary tract infection, or other endocrine disorders.
Consider Referral:
Depending on the test results, refer her to an endocrinologist for further evaluation and management if diabetes is confirmed.
Diagnosis of Diabetes
FPG ≥7.0 mmol/L
Fasting = no caloric intake for at least 8 hours
or
Random PG ≥11.1 mmol/L
or
HbA1C ≥6.5% (in adults)
or
2hPG in a 75-g OGTT ≥11.1 mmol/L
If there are no symptoms
In the absence of symptoms
diagnosis must be confirmed by repeat testing on a different day
What is impaired fasting glucose (IFG)?
Impaired fasting glucose is a prediabetic state defined by fasting plasma glucose levels between 6.1 – 6.9 mmol/L.
What are the criteria for diagnosing impaired fasting glucose?
The criteria for diagnosing IFG is a fasting plasma glucose level of 6.1 – 6.9 mmol/L.
What is impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)?
Impaired glucose tolerance is a prediabetic state characterized by elevated glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
What are the criteria for diagnosing impaired glucose tolerance?
The criteria for diagnosing IGT is a 2-hour post-OGTT plasma glucose level between 7.8 – 11.0 mmol/L.
What are other indicators of prediabetes?
Other indicators include an HbA1C level between 5.7% and 6.4%.
Why are prediabetic states important to identify?
Identifying prediabetic states is crucial because they indicate an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and related complications. Early intervention can help prevent or delay progression to diabetes.
What are some management strategies for prediabetes?
Management strategies include lifestyle modifications such as:
Weight loss (if overweight)
Increased physical activity
Healthy dietary changes (e.g., reduced sugar and refined carbohydrates)
What are the main classifications of diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Other specific types (e.g., genetic forms, drug-induced diabetes)
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. It typically presents in childhood or young adulthood.
What are the key features of Type 1 diabetes
Usually diagnosed in children or young adults
Symptoms often include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and fatigue
Requires insulin therapy for management
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, often associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle. It typically occurs in adults but is increasingly seen in children and adolescents.
What are the key features of Type 2 diabetes?
Commonly diagnosed in adults, particularly over age 45
Symptoms may be less pronounced than in Type 1
Can often be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and may require insulin in advanced cases
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, typically diagnosed through screening tests. It is characterized by glucose intolerance that develops or is first recognized during pregnancy.
What are the key features of gestational diabetes?
Usually diagnosed in the second or third trimester
May resolve after delivery, but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
Requires monitoring of blood glucose levels and management to ensure healthy pregnancy outcomes
What are some other types of diabetes?
Other types of diabetes include:
Genetic forms of diabetes (e.g., MODY, neonatal diabetes)
Drug-induced diabetes (e.g., due to glucocorticoids, antipsychotics)
Rare diseases such as pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis-related diabetes
What are the major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes?
Obesity or being overweight
Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
Age (risk increases with age, particularly after 45)
How does family history contribute to diabetes risk?
A family history of diabetes increases the risk due to genetic predisposition and shared lifestyle factors. Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with diabetes are at higher risk.
What comorbid conditions are associated with an increased risk of diabetes?
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
History of gestational diabetes
What hormonal factors can increase diabetes risk?
Insulin resistance associated with conditions like acromegaly or Cushing’s syndrome
Hormonal changes during pregnancy that may lead to gestational diabetes
What are microvascular complications of diabetes?
Microvascular complications arise from damage to small blood vessels and include:
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition characterized by damage to the retina’s blood vessels due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, leading to vision impairment or blindness.