Pathophysiology Flashcards
What is diabetes?
Chronic metabolic condition
Hyperglycaemia due to impaired insulin production and secretion with or without insulin resistance
What is type 1 diabetes?
- Destruction of B-cells (cells in the pancreas which produce insulin)
- Lack of insulin results in raised blood glucose (insulin helps cells to absorb glucose from blood)
- Autoimmune disease (T-cells attack B-cells)
What is the epidiomology of type 1 diabetes?
Usually in children or young adults
Faster symptom onset
What is type 2 diabetes?
- Insulin resistance (insulin helps cells to absorb glucose from blood)
- B-cells can produce insulin however cells not responding to insulin so the body is unable to effectively use insulin
- As the disease progresses, pancreas reduce insulin production
What is the epidiomology of type 2 diabetes?
Most common in South Asians
Usually >40 years
Clear association between diabetes and obesity
Can be genetic
Compare type 1 diabetes with type 2.
Describe how the body responds to low and high blood glucose (in non-diabetic patients)
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
4 Ts
- Toilet (increased urination)
- Thirstiness
- Thinner (due to dehydration and breakdown of muscle as an energy source)
- Tiredness
Can also experience blurred vision.
Symptoms are often faster and more severe in type 1 diabetes.