Lecture 5 (Complications of DM) Flashcards
List some acute complications with DM
hypoglycemia
hyperglycemia (ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state)
infections (sick day management)
List some chronic complications with DM
Macrovascular (CVD, Dyslipidemia, HTN)
Microvascular (nephro, retino, neuropathy)
others (mental health, apnea, driving)
Define hypoglycemia
low BG levels (<4 mmol/L)
development of autonomic or neuroglycopenic symptoms
symptoms respond to the intake of carbs
What are some common causes of hypoglycemia?
not eating on time, not eating enough
unusual amount of physical exercise
taking too much of an anti-hyperglycemic meds
alcohol
Define and list symptoms of neurogenic hypoglycemia
usually occurs first at BG levels <4 mmol/L
Symptoms
trembling, palpitations, sweating, anxiety, hunger, nausea, tingling
Define and list symptoms of neuroglycopenic hypoglycemia
usually occurs when BG level <2.8 mmol/l
symptoms
difficulty concentrating, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, vision changes, difficulty speaking, headaches, dizziness
Define mild hypoglycemia
glucose <3.9 mmol/L and <3.0mmol/L
autonomic symptoms present
pt is able to self treat
Define moderate hypoglycemia
glucose <3
autonomic and neuroglycopenic sx present
pt is able to self treat
Define severe hypoglycemia
glucose usually <2.8
autonomic and neuroglycopenic sx
distinguished by unresponsiveness and unconsciousness
pt is not able to self treat
List some major risk factors of severe hypo in T1DM
Prior episode of severe hypoglycemia
Current low glycated A1C (< 6.0 %)
Hypoglycemia Unawareness
Long duration of diabetes
Autonomic neuropathy
Adolescence
Preschool-aged children unable to detect and/or treat mild hypoglycemia on their own
List some major risk factors of severe hypo in T2DM
Advancing age
Severe cognitive impairment
Poor health literacy
Food insecurity
Increased A1C
Hypoglycemia unawareness
Duration of insulin therapy
Renal impairment
Neuropathy
Define hypoglycemia unawareness
The inability to recognize the early warning signs of low BG levels; the first symptoms of hypoglycemia will often be confusion or loss of consciousness
What can occurs as a result of frequent lows (BG) due to?
A decrease in the hormonal response mechanisms that prevent hypoglycemia (i.e. epinephrine and glucagon)
A lowering of the threshold at which hypoglycemia symptoms are experienced
Beta blockers can also contribute to hypoglycemia unawareness
This puts people at increased risk for severe hypoglycemia, hence it is important to minimize hypos as much as possible
List the steps to address hypoglycemia
- recognize ANS or neuroglycopenic symptoms
- Confirm is possible (with CBG)
- treat with fast sugar (15 g)
- retest in 15 min to ensure BG>4.0 and retreat if needed
- eat usual snack or meal due at that time of day
Treatment of mild to modterate hypoglycemia
Eat or drink 15 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate
This will raise BG by ~ 2 mmol/L within 20 mins, with adequate symptom relief for most people
Wait 15 mins then check BG again. If it is still low, retreat with 15 g CHO.
Once BG > 4 mmol/L, eat within the hour (either a meal or a snack including a starch and protein)
Wait until BG > 5 mmol/L before driving; this may take around 40 minutes (“5 to Drive”)
What level should you be before you should drive with hypo?
above 5
Treatment for severe hypoglycemia (BG<2.8) if pt is conscious
Treat with with oral ingestion of 20 g carbohydrate, preferably as glucose tabs
This will raise BG by ~ 3.5 mmol/L over 45 mins
Wait 15 mins and retest BG
Retreat with another 15 g of glucose if the BG level remains < 4.0 mmol/L
Eat usual snack or meal due at that time of day or a snack with 15 g carbohydrate plus protein
Treatment for severe hypoglycemia (BG<2.8) if pt is not conscious
- Treat with glucagon
- Call 911
- Turn the pt into recovery position
- eat as soon as safety possible
- discuss with health care team
What are some examples of injectable glucagon?
glucagen
glucagon rDNA
What are some examples of nasal spray of glucagon?
baqsami
MOA of glucagon
makes the liver release storages of sugars into the body
What is pseudo-hypoglycemia?
A state in which an individual experiences symptoms of hypoglycemia despite having BG levels > 4.0 mmol/L
Usually occurs in individuals who are accustomed to having chronic high BG levels and have a rapid drop in BG levels once they start treatment
Once BG levels are under better control, the perception of symptoms at these higher BG levels will dissipate
Still treat if symptomatic
List some usual causes of hyperglycemia
Too little / omission of insulin
Illness (UTI, sepsis, pneumonia are common culprits of DKA) – see an increase in counter-regulatory hormones
Infection
Surgery
Injury
Stress; emotional or physical
Increased food
Exercise (in T1DM) with BG > 14 mmol/L and ketones
What are some characteristics of DKA?
Hyperglycemia (usually >14 mmol/L)
Ketonemia
Metabolic acidosis (venous pH <7.3 and/or serum bicarbonate <15mmol/L, anion gap >12 mmol/L)
When there is insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia causes …
significant loss of water and electrolytes through the urine and extracellular fluid volume depletion
also increase catecholamines stimulates lipolysis, the breakdown of TGs into FFAs that are converted into ketone bodies by the liver and released into circulation
this causes the acidosis
List some sx of DKA
Excessive thirst
Excessive urination
Fatigue / weakness
Blurred vision
Change in appetite
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Air hunger
Fruity acetone breath
Hyperventilation: Kussmaul Respiration
Confusion
Explain the treatment plan
Replacement of fluid loss (IV fluids (0.9% NaCl) - replete the Na deficit)
Replacement of potassium (if <5.0-5.5mmol/L) once diuresis has been started. If K+ is <3.3mmol/L, withhold insulin until it goes above this level
Correction of metabolic acidosis. Administer short-acting insulin IV 0.1 U/kg/hr. adjust based on anion gap resolution – and avoid hypoglycemia and hypokalemia
If patient is in shock or pH <7 , sodium bicarbonate may be added
Once BG reaches 14mmol/L, IV glucose should be added to target a BG of 12-14mmol/L to prevent hypo
What is hyperosmolar hyperglycemia syndrome?
Characterized by extremely high sugar, increased osmolality, significant dehydration, and minimal ketoacidosis
Infection or another medical illness is the usual precipitant
What is the management plan for HHS?
fluid resuscitation (individualized)
avoidance of hypokalemia
insulin administration
avoidance of rapidly falling osmolality (which could cause cerebral edema)
And search for the precipitating cause