Paediatric Endocrinology Flashcards
What is T1DM?
A disease where the pancreas stops being able to produce insulin
What viruses can trigger T1DM?
Coxsackie B virus and enterovirus
What is the body’s ideal blood glucose concentration?
between 4.4 and 6.1 mmol/L
Where is insulin produced?
beta cells in the islets of langerhans
Where is glucagon produced?
alpha cells in the islets of langerhans in the pancreas
How do 25-50% of young patients present with new type 1 diabetes?
with diabetic ketoacidosis
What are the classic triad of symptoms of hyperglycaemia?
polyuria
polydipsia
weight loss
what are less typical symptoms of diabetes in young children?
secondary enuresis
recurrent infections
What tests should occur in a child with a new diagnosis of diabetes?
baseline fbc, renal profile and lab glucose
Blood cultures in patients with suspected infection
HbA1c
Thyroid function tests and thyroid peroxidase antibodies to test for associated autoimmune thyroid disease
Tissue transglutaminase for associated coeliac disease
Insulin antibodies, anti-GAD antibodies and islet cell antibodies to test for antibodies associated with destruction of the pancreas
What is the long-term management for diabetes?
Subcutaneous insulin
Monitoring dietary carbs, blood sugars and complications
What can insulin injected into the same spot repeatedly cause?
lipodystrophy which prevents normal absorption of insulin
What does basal bolus insulin refer to?
long acting insulin and then short acting insulin
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an insulin pump?
better blood sugar control, more flexibility with eating and less injections.
learning to use the pump, having it attached at all times, blockages and small risk of infections
What are the two types of insulin pump?
Tethered pump
Patch pump
What are the short term complications of diabetes?
hypoglycemia
hyperglycemia
What are the typical symptoms of hypoglycemia?
hunger, tremor, sweating, irritability, dizziness and pallor
How can hypoglycemia be treated?
rapid actin glucose such as lucozade and slower acting carbohydrates such as biscuits
How can severe hypoglycemia be treated?
IV dextrose and intramuscular glucagon
What are other causes of hypoglycemia than diabetes?
Hypothyroidism, glycogen storage disorders, growth hormone deficiency, liver cirrhosis, alcohol and fatty acid oxidation defects
What is a common complication of hypoglycemia?
Nocturnal hypoglycemia