Endocrinopathies - III diabetes Flashcards

1
Q

Overview/ definition of diabetes mellitus.

A

Syndrome associated with chronic hyperglycemia.

  • Loss or dysfunction of insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells
  • Diminished insulin sensitivity in tissues
  • Or both
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2
Q

Diabetes in dogs.

A

Beta cell loss due to immune-mediated destruction/vacuolar degeneration/pancreatitis.

Insulin-resistant effects of the diestrus phase in intact female dogs, transient or not.

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3
Q

Diabetes in cats.

A

Loss or dysfunction of beta cells due to insulin resistance/islet amyloidosis/chronic lymphoplasmacytic pancreatitis.

Remission is possible with diet and insulin.

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4
Q

Risk factors for developing DM for both dogs and cats include: (4)

A

Obesity

Certain diseases
- Acromegaly and kidney disease in cats, hyperadrenocorticism, hypertriglyceridemia and hypothyroidism in dogs, dental disease, systemic infection, pancreatitis, pregnancy/diestrus.

Medications
- Steroids, progestins, cyclosporine

Genetics
- Australian terriers, beagles, samoyeds, keeshonds, Burmese cats

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5
Q

Clinical signs of diabetes mellitus. (5)

A

PU/PD, PP (polyphagia) + weight loss

Lethargy, weakness, poor body condition

Cataracts in dogs

Impaired jumping and abnormal gait in cats (peripheral neuropathy)

Systemic signs of illness (DKA): anorexia, vomiting, dehydration, depression

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6
Q

Diagnosis of diabetes is based on what exams? (4)

A

Physical exam
Blood pressure
Blood analysis
Urinalysis

(complete blood count, chemistry with electrolytes, urinalysis with culture, urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC), fructosamine!, triglycerides, blood pressure (BP), and thyroxine (T4); to confirm the diagnosis as well as to rule out other diseases.

  • problems often associated with the disease (e.g., urinary tract infections, pancreatitis).
  • conditions that may interfere with the patient’s response to treatment (e.g., hyperthyroidism, renal disease, hyperadrenocorticism).
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7
Q

Typical CBC findings in diabetes.

A

stress leukogram

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8
Q

Typical biochemical findings in diabetes.

A

Hyperglycemia:
- Glucosuria and clinical signs when blood glucose >11.1 mmol/L in dogs, >13.9-16,7 mmol/L in cats.

Increased cholesterol and triglycerides
Dogs: elevated ALP, ALT
Cats: variable ALP, elevated liver enzymes - rule out concurrent liver disease.

CPL - pancreatitis is common comorbidity
DKA: very elevated BG, azotemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperosmolarity

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9
Q

Typical urinalytical findings in diabetes. (5)

A

Glucosuria
Protein
Ketones
Bacteria
Casts

Always culture - UTI is common.

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10
Q

Diagnosis of diabetes requires: (4)

A

Persistent hyperglycemia +
glucosuria +
characteristic clinical signs
(+ elevated serum fructosamine in cats)

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11
Q

Reasons for Hyperglycemia without clinical signs (4)

A

Stress hyperglycemia (cats)
Corticosteroid administration
Concurrent insulin-resistant disease
- e.g. Hyperadrenocorticism, Obesity
Early stage of developing DM

Next,
rule out stress hyperglycemia: reassess blood and urine glucose, measure serum fructosamine
→ correct insulin-resistant diseases
→ discontinue drugs associated with impaired insulin release/sensitivity.

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12
Q

Treatment of diabetes and the 2 main goals.

A

Insulin + diet

Goals:
- Controlling BG below the renal threshold for as much of a 24 h period as possible - improves clinical signs of DM.
- Avoid clinically significant hypoglycemia.

Each patient requires an individualized treatment plan, frequent reassessment, and modification of that plan based on the patient’s response.

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13
Q

Goal of Treatment of diabetes in cats specifically.

A

Goal is remission.

+ Minimal/no clinical signs
+ Owner perception of good quality of life and favorable treatment response.
+ Avoidance/improvement of DM complications: DKA, peripheral neuropathy
+ Avoidance of hypoglycemia

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14
Q

Treatment of diabetes in cats using…

A

Insulin: glargine (Lantus), starting dose based on:
- Estimated ideal body weight.
- BG levels: 0.5 U/kg q12h if BG >20,
0.25 U/kg q12h if BG <20
- usually 1 U q12h, do not exceed 2 U per cat q12h.

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15
Q

Treatment of diabetes in cats.

Monitor BG on the first day of insulin treatment?

A

Yes, the goal is solely to identify hypoglycemia - do not increase insulin dose.

BG q2-4h for 10-12 h following insulin.

Decrease insulin dose 50% if BG is <8.3 mmol/L any time.

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16
Q

Treatment of diabetes in cats.

Reevaluation (blood glucose curve):

A

Immediate reevaluation if any signs of hypoglycemia occur.

Need to avoid clinical signs suggesting hypoglycemia (<3.5 mmol/L):
lethargy, trembling, depression, ataxia, seizures, coma. Lethargy, anorexia, vomiting.

Otherwise, In 1-2 weeks after first initiating treatment with insulin - do not increase dose earlier than q1-2w!

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17
Q

Treatment of diabetes in dogs using…

A

Insulin: porcine lente (Caninsulin)

0.25 U/kg q12h rounded to the nearest whole U

Based on estimated ideal body weight.

Avoid symptomatic hypoglycemia.
Feed equal-sized meals twice daily at the time of each insulin injection.

Remission is rare.
OHE in intact diabetic dogs will support.

Insulin dose should not be increased more often than q1-2w!

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18
Q

Things to note about insulin and its practical use.

A

12 +/-2 h window and occasional missed doses are acceptable

Caninsulin shaken, other insulins rolled

Vial stopper wiped with alcohol prior to inserting needle

Do not freeze/expose to heat, store in refrigerator, use up to 3-6 months, new vial if change in appearance.

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19
Q

Oral hypoglycemic drugs

A

Oral hypoglycemic drugs are neither recommended nor considered appropriate for long-term use. Their use is considered temporary and only if combined with dietary modification if the owner refuses insulin therapy or is considering euthanasia for the pet.

e.g. “Bexacat” ingredient bexaglifoxin

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20
Q

mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs

A

used primarily in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, obesity. Their mechanism of action is based on mimicking the effects of the endogenous hormone GLP-1, which is naturally secreted by intestinal cells (L-cells) in response to food intake.

GLP-1 drugs enhance the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, but only when blood glucose levels are elevated. This glucose-dependent insulinotropic effect helps to lower blood sugar without causing hypoglycemia.

GLP-1 drugs inhibit the release of glucagon, secreted by alpha cells in the pancreas. Glucagon normally raises blood glucose

  • Delay in gastric emptying and increased satiety.
  • Reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels.
  • Weight loss and potential cardiovascular benefits.
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21
Q

Dietary therapy for diabetes.
Goal?
What else?

A

Goal:
- Weight loss in obese patients
- Stop DM associated weight loss

Calculate daily caloric requirements based on lean body mass.

Monitor weight and BCS once or twice monthly - adjust dietary intake.

Weight loss 0.5-2% per week in cats, 1-2% in dogs.

Minimize postprandial hyperglycemia: consider protein and carbohydrate intake.

Concurrent diseases? - adjust diet

22
Q

Dietary therapy for diabetes in cats. (3)

A

High protein, low carbohydrate diet.

Portioned meals - daily ration divided into multiple meals, (free choice feeding).

Canned > dry

23
Q

Dietary therapy for diabetes in dogs. (4)

A

Diet with increased fiber/any diet that is complete and balanced

Feed at consistent times in consistent amounts

Palatable - predictable and consistent intake

Weight maintenance/loss diets in obese patients
+ regular and appropriate exercise

24
Q

What does monitoring diabetes include? (4)

A

Clinical signs
- PU/PD/PP, body weight
Blood glucose curve
Urine glucose measurement
Serum fructosamine

q6m full laboratory work including UA, urine culture, triglycerides, thyroid levels (cats) and BP

25
Q

Explain why one should monitor with blood glucose curves.

A

Possible to identify clinically undetectable hypoglycemia.

Only way to know how to appropriately change insulin dose.

Not perfect - varies from day to day, affected by deviation from normal routine, stress hyperglycemia.
- Interpret alongside clinical signs

When to perform?
- After the first dose of a new kind of insulin
- 7-14 days after dose change
- q3m in well controlled diabetics
- Any time clinical signs recur
- WHen Hypoglycemia is suspected

26
Q

Describe how to do a blood glucose curve.

A

BG q2h (q3-4h with glargine) for 1 interval between injections (so a span of 12h if insulin q12h, span of 24h if its given 1q24h).
- but q1h when BG <8.3 mmol/L

Glucometer calibrated in dogs and cats.

Capillary blood from ear, gums, non-weight bearing/accessory foot pads, elbow callus.

Use normal insulin and feeding schedule.

Perform In hospital or at home.

27
Q

blood glucose curve values to aim for
lowest acceptable
range
highest acceptable

A

Determine 1. nadir (lowest BG) and 2. duration of action of the insulin dose.
- Duration cannot be evaluated until the nadir is optimized.

Ideal nadir/lowest point is 4.4-8.3 mmol/L (80–150 mg/dL)
- Reduce dose if BG is ever <4.4 mmol/L (<80 mg/dL).

Highest BG should be close to 11.1 in dogs (200 mg/dL ), 16.7 in cats (300 mg/dL ).

BG should be successfully managed for as much of a 24 h period as possible.

28
Q

What is the Somogyi (overswing) phenomenon?

A

The Somogyi or overswing phenomenon, also called hypoglycemia-induced hyperglycemia, refers to hypoglycemia followed by marked hyperglycemia.

It results from a physiological response when an insulin dose causes BG to be 60 mg/dL (very low) or when BG concentration decreases quickly.

In either case, counter-regulatory hormones, which act to increase BG (e.g., cortisol, epinephrine, and glucagon), are released. Hyperglycemia usually occurs rapidly and can be followed by a period of insulin resistance

Decrease insulin dosage in this case. Once the nadir is 80 mg/dL, counter-regulatory hormones will no longer interfere, and the true duration of effect will become apparent.

29
Q

How to convert mg/dL to mmol/L?

A

mmol/l = mg/dl / 18

mg/dl = 18 × mmol/l

30
Q

Describe Continuous glucose monitoring system

A

Freestyle libre product

Measures interstitial glucose concentration q15min for up to 14 days.

Can be used in Dogs and cats

Hospitalized patients with DKA

31
Q

which type of curve are we aiming for with insulin therapy?
which one represents the somogyi response?

A

green one id ideal curve
blue is somogyi

32
Q

What test in addition to home-GLU testing can we suggest to owners?

A

urine dipstick for glucose and ketones.

If ketones are present, contact veterinarian.

33
Q

Describe fructosamine monitoring.

A

Is a Glycosylated protein that reflects glycemic control over the previous 1–2 weeks.

Trends are more useful than isolated values - measure at each recheck.
- Well-controlled diabetics can have elevated fructosamine and uncontrolled diabetics can have normal levels.
- May be elevated in sick, hyperglycemic, but nondiabetic cats.

Not affected by stress so good for differentiation of stress hyperglycemia from DM.

34
Q

Low fructosamine can indicate: (3)

A
  • Chronic hypoglycemia -> perform BGC
  • Feline patient may be nearing diabetic remission
  • Hyperthyroidism, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglobulinemia, increased protein turnover rates.

Because fructosamine concentration is also affected by the half-life of albumin, it reflects glycemic control over the previous 1–2 wk..

35
Q

monitoring blood glucose levels in cats and dogs algorithm

A
36
Q

managing hypoglycemia in diabetic cats and dogs algorithm

A
37
Q

What to do when you have an Uncontrolled diabetic. (7)

A
  1. Rule out client and insulin-handling issues.
  2. Review diet and weight-loss plan.
  3. Rule out concurrent medications that could cause insulin resistance.
    - Glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, progestins
    - Discontinue if possible and reassess 2 w later, if discontinuation is not possible insulin dose may need to be increased
  4. BGC to rule out hypoglycemia.
  5. Rule out concurrent disease
  6. Consider switching insulin type
  7. Consult with a specialist
38
Q

Uncontrolled diabetic with concurrent disease may experience…?

A

insulin resistance

When,
- Dogs: insulin dose >1 U/kg/dose with no response or >1.5 U/kg fails to bring BG <16.7 mmol/L.

  • Cats: insulin dose >5 U/dose.
39
Q

In case of suspecting insulin resistance with concurrent disease, what should you do next? (5)

A

If the cause of insulin resistance is identified, focus on resolving and treating that cause, then return to regulating the DM.

  1. Physical exam
    - e.g. Dental disease! rule it out or fix it with a dental
  2. OHE (supports remission of diabetes)
  3. Baseline laboratory testing
    - BP, CBC, serum biochemistry with electrolytes, T4 (in cats), urinalysis with culture, UPC
  4. Second-level diagnostics
    - Thoracic and abdominal radiographs, abdominal US, CPL, TLI, B12/folate, SDMA and IRIS staging.
  5. Specific diagnostics for:
    - Hyperadrenocorticim
    - Acromegaly
    - Thyroid disease
40
Q

Client education when managing a diabetic pet.

A

Give a realistic idea of the commitment involved in managing DM

Successful disease management is possible but can take time to achieve

Importance of appropriate nutrition and weight management

Insulin mechanism, administration, handling, storage

What to do if the pet does not eat?

Signs of low BG

Home BG monitoring

Owner may decrease/skip insulin dose if hypoglycemia is noted but never increase the dose/frequency without consulting.

41
Q

What can an owner do for low blood glucose at home?

A

If their pet is conscious, feed a high-carbohydrate meal (e.g., rice, bread, pasta, a regular diet with added corn syrup).

If their pet is poorly responsive or has tremors, rub 1–2 teaspoons of corn syrup onto gum tissue. Some experts use a dose of 0.125 mL/kg.

Advise client of the risk of aspiration in an obtunded animal. Feed if there is a response within 5 min. Take the pet to a veterinarian.

42
Q

Describe diabetic ketoacidosis.

A

Life-threatening complication of DM

Defined as hyperglycemia (blood glucose >200 mg/dL [11 mmol/L]),
acidemia (venous pH < 7.3),
low bicarbonate levels (<15 mmol/L), with ketonemia and ketonuria.

Intensive treatment: insulin, correction of deranged electrolytes (slowlyy), acid base, and water balance.

43
Q

Treatment of DKA.

A

hospitalization is required

fluid therapy immediately, balanced crystalloid with buffer
- supplement potassium

slightly later instigate insulin therapy

44
Q

Why might ALT and AST be elevated in a suspected diabetes cat?

A

if mild, no worries but check all functional liver parameters just in case (e.g. glu and chol etc.). if they normal then cool but if they’re changes then maybe there’s something going on with the liver.

if over 5x increase over ref values, then look into concurrent liver disease

e.g. ALT 165 (12-130) -> 165:130 = 1.3x increase

45
Q

What add on test should you run after diagnosing diabetes in a cat?

A

pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity

its a common concurrent disease

46
Q

dosage of insulin for cats

A

either start with 1U glargine insulin q12h as a rule of thumb

OR

depending on the elevated GLU value:
0.5 U/kg q12h if BG >20
0.25 U/kg q12h if BG <20,

but do not exceed 2 U per cat q12h when you’re starting out.
(you can surpass even 5U)

47
Q

diabetes diets for cats

A

it doesn’t have to be a specially formulated veterinary diabetes diet

as long as it has:
low carbs
high protein

more frequent smaller meals are best

48
Q

interpreting a glucose curve which glu value do you use?

A

the nadir aka the lowest value and apply to the attached algorithm.

even if some values are higher than ideal, use the nadir to make your maintenance decisions as to avoid inducing hypoglycemia with too high an insulin dose.

note that if your BGC values steadily creep up to over ref. values, consider increasing dose.

49
Q

When should owners measure BG at home?

A

when do BG curves and when they suspect something may be wrong such as hypo or hyperglycemia.

need not do it every single time they are injecting insulin (such as is done in humans)

50
Q

Can you increase insulin doses by 0.5 U?

A

no, not in most countries because the insulin pens can’t administer half doses.

51
Q

IF you dont change the insulin dose, when should you recheck?

A

in 3 months if no clinical signs of hypo or hyper occur

52
Q

normal ref. values for blood glucose in cats and dogs in both mg/dL and mmol/L

A
  1. Cats:
    mg/dL: 70 - 150 mg/dL
    mmol/L: 3.9 - 8.3 mmol/L
  2. Dogs:
    mg/dL: 75 - 120 mg/dL
    mmol/L: 4.2 - 6.7 mmol/L