MEH - Diabetes Mellitus Flashcards
What causes type 1 diabetes?
Autoimmune beta cell destruction - autoantibodies are directed against the beta cells so insulin producing cells are destroyed
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the cells cannot use the insulin properly
How does diabetes mellitus present?
Polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision, urogenital infections, tiredness, weakness, weight loss
How is diabetes diagnosed?
- fasting glucose
- oral glucose tolerance test
- HbA1c
How does type 1 diabetes present?
Rapid onset (weeks) weight loss, polyuria and polydipsia, may be ketoacidosis
What is the main treatment of type 1 diabetes?
Exogenous insulin given by sub-cutaneous injection several times per day
What lifestyle factors can be linked with type 2 diabetes?
Obesity and physical inactivity
Why is type 2 diabetes sometime difficult to detect?
The symptoms are very variable due to the slower rise in blood glucose, and they may be asymptomatic. May have polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss.