Type 1 Diabetes

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia

due to absolute deficiency of insulin

ie body makes insignificant amounts of insulin/ none

Question 2

who gets diabetes type 1

Answer 2

anyone

most commonly presents in childhood/ adolescence

Question 3

what is the cause of type 1 diabetes

Answer 3

autoimmune destruction of pancreatic Beta Cells (in the pancreatic islets, secrete insulin)

Question 4

what do the different cells in the islets of langerhans produce

Answer 4

Alpha= glucagon

Beta= insulin

Delta= somatostatin

F cell= pancreatic polypeptide (less relevant)

Question 5

how does type 1 diabetes present

Answer 5

polyuria and polydipisia (thirst)

weight loss

lethargy

recurrent infections

reduced visual acuity

diabetic foot disease

Question 6

how do you investigate type 1 diabetes

Answer 6

glucose levels:
fasting >7mmol
HbA12c >6.5%

impaired glucose tolerance test

Question 7

how do you manage type 1 diabetes

Answer 7

Insulin Replacement long acting and short acting or continuous infusion

lifestyle modifications e.g. dietary advice