Module 6: Endocrine Flashcards
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
A chronic disease involving abnormal insulin production or utilization, leading to hyperglycemia.
What are the two main types of diabetes?
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
What are the classic symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, and fatigue.
What causes Type 1 Diabetes?
Autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, genetic predisposition, and viral exposure.
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A life-threatening condition in Type 1 Diabetes due to insulin deficiency, leading to metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
A condition where the body develops insulin resistance, often associated with obesity and aging.
What are the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes?
Obesity, genetics, sedentary lifestyle, and ethnic background (e.g., Aboriginal, Hispanic).
What is insulin resistance?
When body tissues do not respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood glucose.
What is the role of adipokines in Type 2 Diabetes?
Adipokines like adiponectin and leptin affect glucose and fat metabolism, contributing to insulin resistance.
What are the diagnostic tests for Diabetes Mellitus?
Hemoglobin A1C ≥6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥7 mmol/L, and oral glucose tolerance test ≥11.1 mmol/L.
What is the A1C goal for diabetics?
Less than 7.0% to reduce risks of complications like retinopathy and nephropathy.
What is the importance of patient education in diabetes management?
Helps with self-monitoring, diet, exercise, and understanding medication therapy.
What are common medications for Type 2 Diabetes?
Metformin, sulfonylureas (e.g., Glyburide), and thiazolidinediones (e.g., Rosiglitazone).
What is the treatment for Type 1 Diabetes?
Insulin therapy is essential, with different insulin types like rapid-acting (Lispro) and long-acting (Ultralente).
How does insulin therapy work?
Insulin is injected to replace or supplement the insulin that the body cannot produce.
What is the sliding scale insulin regimen?
A method used in hospitals where insulin doses are adjusted based on blood glucose levels.
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Trembling, headache, cold sweats, confusion, and even seizures.
How is hypoglycemia treated?
Mild: snack with starch
Moderate: 1-2 starches
Severe: Glucagon or D50W.
What causes Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Insufficient insulin during periods of stress or illness, leading to fat breakdown and ketone production.
What are the signs of DKA?
Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, acidosis, dehydration, and Kussmaul’s respirations (deep breathing).
What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)?
A severe complication of Type 2 Diabetes, with extremely high blood sugar and dehydration but no ketones.
What is the treatment for DKA?
IV fluids (e.g., 0.9% NaCl), insulin infusion, and electrolyte monitoring.
What are the sick-day guidelines for diabetes?
Continue insulin, stay hydrated with sugar-free fluids, and monitor blood sugar and ketones regularly.
What is the role of exercise in diabetes management?
Exercise helps decrease blood sugar by utilizing carbohydrates and enhancing insulin action.
What is a common pediatric complication of diabetes?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common emergency in children with undiagnosed diabetes.
What is the most prevalent form of diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common, especially in individuals over 35 years old.
What is the role of diet in managing Type 2 Diabetes?
Controlling caloric intake, reducing fats, and balancing meals to regulate blood sugar and lipids.
What are the long-term complications of diabetes?
Microvascular complications: retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy.
Macrovascular complications: heart disease and stroke.
What is the significance of the Hemoglobin A1C test?
It reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months and helps in assessing long-term diabetes control.
What are common diagnostic symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Fatigue, recurrent infections, prolonged wound healing, and visual changes.
What is the risk of untreated metabolic syndrome?
Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
What is the primary role of insulin in diabetes?
Insulin helps regulate blood glucose by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy or storage.
What are some examples of insulin preparations for Type 1 Diabetes?
Lispro (rapid-acting)
Regular (short-acting)
NPH (intermediate-acting)
Ultralente (long-acting).
What are common risk factors for gestational diabetes?
Obesity, advanced maternal age, family history of diabetes, and certain ethnic backgrounds.
How is gestational diabetes managed?
Through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and in some cases, insulin therapy.
What is a common side effect of insulin therapy?
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a common side effect if insulin doses are too high.
How does hyperglycemia affect the kidneys?
It can lead to diabetic nephropathy, a major cause of end-stage renal disease in diabetics.
What is the significance of regular eye exams for diabetics?
Helps detect diabetic retinopathy early, preventing vision loss.
What is the recommended exercise for diabetes management?
A combination of aerobic exercise and strength training helps improve insulin sensitivity and manage weight.
What is the goal of intensive insulin therapy (ITT)?
ITT mimics the pancreas by using multiple insulin injections throughout the day to maintain near-normal blood glucose levels, especially in Type 1 Diabetes.
What is an insulin pump used for?
An insulin pump provides continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, requiring carbohydrate counting and regular blood glucose checks.
What are common signs of diabetic retinopathy?
Blurred vision, floaters, and in advanced stages, blindness.
What is the significance of the 24-hour urine test for diabetics?
It helps assess kidney function, with a focus on detecting early signs of nephropathy.
What are the clinical signs of diabetic neuropathy?
Numbness, tingling, pain in the feet or hands, and loss of sensation.
What is the role of dietary fiber in managing Type 2 Diabetes?
High-fiber diets help regulate blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption.
What are the main objectives of diabetes treatment?
Control blood sugar, prevent complications, improve quality of life, and minimize acute symptoms.
What is diabetic nephropathy?
Kidney damage resulting from prolonged high blood glucose, often leading to end-stage renal disease.
What is diabetic foot care important?
Diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of sensation, increasing the risk of unnoticed injuries that can lead to infections and amputations.
What are signs of metabolic syndrome?
Central obesity, hypertension, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose.
What is a common pediatric consideration in Type 1 Diabetes?
Children may experience rapid onset of symptoms, with DKA being a common first presentation.
