Secondary Diabetes

Question 1

Define the term secondary diabetes

Answer 1

Refers to diabetes that results because of another medical condition

Question 2

Insulin resistance as a result of conditions can result in secondary diabetes.
Why does insulin resistance cause secondary diabetes?

Answer 2

Insulin resistance forces the body to release more insulin in an attempt to keep blood glucose levels under control.

Same mechanism as T2DM

Question 3

Name two conditions that can result in insulin resistance leading to secondary diabetes

Answer 3

Cushing’s syndrome

PCOS

Question 4

How is secondary diabetes as a result of insulin resistance managed

Answer 4

Lifestyle changes ± metformin

Question 5

Loss of pancreatic function as a result of conditions can result in secondary diabetes.
Why does loss of pancreatic function cause secondary diabetes?

Answer 5

Loss of pancreatic function means the pancreas may not be able to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels stable

Question 6

Name three conditions that can result in loss of pancreatic function leading to secondary diabetes

Answer 6

Pancreatitis

Cystic fibrosis

Haemochromatosis

Question 7

How is secondary diabetes as a result of loss of pancreatic function managed

Answer 7

Insulin injections

Question 8

Excess glucagon production as a result of conditions can result in secondary diabetes.
Why does excess glucagon production cause secondary diabetes?

Answer 8

Glucagon works in the opposite way to insulin

Glucagon instructs the release of glucose into the blood, which can result in hyperglycaemia.

Question 9

Name a condition that can result in secondary diabetes as a result of excess glucagon production

Answer 9

Glucagonoma i.e. glycogen secreting tumour of the pancreas

Question 10

How is secondary diabetes as a result of excess glucagon production managed

Answer 10

Chemotherapy ± surgery

Question 11

Name 3 conditions that originate from the pancreas that can result in secondary diabetes

Answer 11

Cystic fibrosis

Chronic pancreatitis

Haemochromatosis

Question 12

Name 4 conditions that originate from the endocrine system that can result in secondary diabetes

Answer 12

Cushing’s syndrome

Acromegaly

Pheochromocytoma

Thyrotoxicosis

Question 13

Name 4 drugs that can result in secondary diabetes

Answer 13

Steroids

Atypical neuroleptics

Thiazides

Beta-blockers

Question 14

Name two glycogen storage disorders that can cause secondary diabetes

Answer 14

Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1 (von Gierke’s disease)

Glycogen Storage Disease Type 2 (Pompe disease)