T1DM Flashcards
Aetiology
AI destruction of beta cells in islets of langerhans of the pancreas. Insulin deficient.
Often presents in teens after viral infection.
Usually starts young. HLA D3/4 linked.
Symptoms
Polyuria Polydipsia Glycosuria Weight loss Fatigue Visual blurring Genital thrush Ketosis if very bad
Complications
DKA- switch to burning fat whch produces acidic ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta hydroxybutyrate) via lyase and HMG coA reductase. Vomiting, dehydration, tachypnoea, confusion, coma. Treat with fluids and electrolytes. Insulin once K corrected. Triggered by infection, MI, stroke, cocaine, missed dose, alcohol.
Vascular effects even if mildly raised LT.
Macrovascular- atheroma, stroke, MI, renovascular disease, limb ischaemia.
Micro- retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, impotence.
Diagnosis
2 of: Random glucose over 11.1 mmol/L Fasting over 7 HbA1c over 6.5%- is glycosylation of terminal vabline of Hb, measures glucose over last 3 months. Normal is 7.8, 6.1, 6.
Management
Long term insulin with bm monitoring.
Rapid acting bolus with meals.
Long acting for baseline control and overnight.
Adjust with exercise, calorie intake and according to fingerprick glucose.
Differential
T2DM Chronic pancreatitis Renal glycosuria Peripheral neuropathy from alcoholism Endocrine tumour producing GH, GCs, glucagon Addisons Hashimotos
Subcutaneous insulins
-ultra fast eg humalog, novorapid.
-short acting eg humulin S
-intermediate acting eg isophane insulin.
-pre mixed with ultra fast component eg novomix.
-long acting recombinant human insulin analogues eg glargine.
-very long acting eg degludec.
AE- weigth gain, hyper/hypoglycaemia, lipodystrophy at injection site, pain on injection, allergy to preservative.
Insulin regimens
Vary injection site
- BD biphasic regimen- 2x per day premixed by pen.
- QDS- ultra fast before meals, bed time long acting.
- once daily before bed long acting.
Explanation
- when we eat food it gets broken down into sugar which is then absorbed into our blood. This is then used by cells in our body for energy. In order for them to use it they must take up the sugar from the blood, this requires a hormone called insulin. In T1DM your pancreas which usually makes insulin is not making enough so the sugar is staying in the blood where the cells cant use it.
- it is a genetic condition which usually presents in young people. Often triggered by viral infection but can just come on for an unknown reason.
- lifestyle involves not smoking or drinking. Eating healthily is main thing. Avoiding sugary and fatty foods. And being careful about exercise and timing of eating with injections. It is also important to monitor the level of sugar in your blood regularly. Need to be aware of when feel a hypo coming on as they can be very dangerous.
- tx will be insulin injections that you will need to have for the rest of your life. It is very important to take it properly as high blood sugar over time can increase the risk of heart problems, nerve problems and eye problems.