Type 1 Diabetes Flashcards
What is Type 1 diabetes
A chronic autoimmune disease where the body is unable to produce insulin, due to the immune system attacking the beta cells
What is an autoimmune disorder
When the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body
In the absence of glucose, what does the body rely on?
- Glycogen stores in the liver and skeletal muscles-
- Fat stores
- Ketone bodies
- Protein to start gluconeogenesis
How does diabetes relate to Polyuria
When there is too much glucose in the blood, the kidneys will filter out the excess through urine, increasing the urine output
How does diabetes relate to Polydipsia
Poluria (Excessive urination) causes a fluid loss which results in dehydration. The thirst center in the hypothalamus will cause us to feel thirst as it tries to get more fluid into the body
How does diabetes relate to polyphagia
Without insulin glucose won’t get into the cells meaning they still need energy. The body will think its hungry causing excessive hunger
Why are T1 diabetic hyperglcaemic
Since insulin production was destroyed by the immune system, the glucose has no way to enter the cells. This causes a build up of glucose in the blood
How does the liver contribute to hyperglycaemia
Since the body thinks it starving, the liver continues to produce glucose in an attempt to get glucose into the cells.
What are macrovascular complications
Damage to the large blood cells (arteries) caused by the accumulcation of glucose in the blood. This causes atherosclerosis which can lead to more caridovascular problems
What is atherosclerosis
A chronic condition where the arteries become narrowed and harded due to plaque on the inner walls
How does diabetes cause atherosclerosis
High blood glucose levels damage the inner lining of the arteries which allows plaque to form
What are microvascular complications
High blood glucose levels damage smaller blood vessels (capillaries) located in the eyes, nerves and liver
What is retinopathy
A microvascular complication that damages the retina of the eye which can result in blindness
What is neuropathy
A microvascular complication that damages the nerves which can cause numbness and tingling
What is nephropathy
A microvascular complication that damages filtering units called nephrons, located in the kidney. This can reduce kidney function
How does glucose end up in urine
When the kidneys are no longer able to absorb glucose, the excess ends up in the urine. This creates an osmotic gradient that pulls more water into the urine
What is diabetic ketoacidosis
A condition where the body breaks down fat for fuel. This produces ketones
How does diabetic ketoacidosis work
When the body is unable to use glucose as energy due to insulin defficiency, the body instead starts breaking down lipids/fats for energy
Why is diabetic ketoacidosis bad
When fats are broken down ketones are produced. If they begin to accumulate, the blood pH will increase causing metabolic acidosis
How does DKA cause dehydration
The body will try to eliminate the excess ketones by urinating more frequently which can cause dehydration
Why would a DKA patient’s breath smell like acetone
Acetone is a type of ketone produced during fat breakdown and can be exhaled through the lungs easily
Why is insulin injected subcutaneously
So that the insulin can be absorbed into the bloodstream
Why don’t we give insulin orally
Enzymes in the stomach would break down insulin rendering it useless
Why would we monitor BSL
To prevent hyper and hypoglycaemia
What are 5 signs of T1 diabetes
Polyuria, Polydipsia, Polyphagia, Acetone breath, dehydration
