Type 1 diabetes Flashcards
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas stops producing adequate insulin, leading to an inability of cells to absorb glucose, causing hyperglycaemia.
What is the cause of Type 1 diabetes?
The underlying cause is unclear, but it may involve genetic factors and viruses like Coxsackie B and enterovirus.
What is the classic triad of symptoms of Type 1 diabetes?
Polyuria, Polydipsia, and Weight loss.
How does insulin help in glucose metabolism?
Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the blood and stores glucose in the liver and muscles as glycogen, reducing blood glucose levels.
What role does glucagon play in glucose metabolism?
Glucagon increases blood sugar levels by promoting glycogen breakdown and converting proteins and fats to glucose.
What is ketogenesis?
Ketogenesis is the production of ketones when glucose supply is insufficient.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
DKA is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to insufficient insulin, leading to hyperglycaemia, ketosis, dehydration, and potassium imbalance.
What are the key features of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Ketoacidosis, dehydration, and potassium imbalance.
What causes dehydration in diabetic ketoacidosis?
Hyperglycaemia leads to osmotic diuresis, causing increased urine production and severe dehydration.
How does insulin deficiency cause potassium imbalance in DKA?
Without insulin, potassium is not driven into cells, leading to high or normal serum potassium but low total body potassium.
What are common symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?
Polyuria, polydipsia, nausea and vomiting, acetone breath, dehydration, weight loss, hypotension, and altered consciousness.
What criteria are required to diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis?
Hyperglycaemia, ketosis, and acidosis.
What is the priority in treating diabetic ketoacidosis?
Fluid resuscitation to correct dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and acidosis, followed by an insulin infusion.
What is the ‘FIG-PICK’ mnemonic for DKA management?
F – Fluids, I – Insulin, G – Glucose, P – Potassium, I – Infection, C – Chart fluid balance, K – Ketones.
What are key complications during DKA treatment?
Hypoglycaemia, hypokalaemia, cerebral oedema, and pulmonary oedema.
How can autoantibodies help diagnose Type 1 diabetes?
Autoantibodies like Anti-islet cell, Anti-GAD, and Anti-insulin antibodies are found in Type 1 diabetes.
What is the purpose of serum C-peptide in diabetes diagnosis?
Serum C-peptide measures insulin production, with low levels indicating low insulin production.
What is the basal-bolus regime for managing Type 1 diabetes?
It involves long-acting insulin once daily and short-acting insulin before meals.
What are insulin pumps and their benefits?
Insulin pumps continuously infuse insulin and offer better blood sugar control, more eating flexibility, and fewer injections.
What is a pancreas transplant, and when is it used?
A pancreas transplant involves implanting a donor pancreas to produce insulin, typically for patients with severe hypoglycaemic episodes.
What is HbA1c, and what does it measure?
HbA1c measures glycated haemoglobin, reflecting the average blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months.
What is the difference between flash glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitors?
Flash glucose monitors require a scan with a mobile device, while continuous glucose monitors send readings over Bluetooth automatically.
What is a closed-loop system for diabetes management?
A closed-loop system combines a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump to adjust insulin delivery based on glucose readings.
What are short-term complications of Type 1 diabetes?
Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, including diabetic ketoacidosis.
What causes hypoglycaemia, and how is it treated?
Hypoglycaemia is caused by too much insulin, insufficient carbohydrates, or incorrect carbohydrate absorption. It is treated with rapid-acting glucose.
What are long-term complications of Type 1 diabetes?
Macrovascular complications, microvascular complications, and infection-related complications.
