Type I Diabetes

Question 1

Type I Diabetes overview

Answer 1

High glucagon levels
Low insulin levels
Metabolism stuck in starved state
Autoimmune destruction of beta cells

Question 2

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 2

Weight loss, thirst, tiredness
Ketoacidosis (increased lipolysis)
Hyperglycaemia and dehydration (decreased glucose uptake, increased glycogenolysis)
Hypertriglyceridaemia (increased lipolysis/VLDL/chylomicrons)

Question 3

Mechanism

Answer 3

High glucagon = gluconeogenesis
Decreased glycolysis and glycogen synthesis
Excess fatty acids converted to TGs and VLDL
Excess acetyl CoA to ketone bodies (beta oxidation)

Question 4

What is happening in muscle, adipose tissue and plasma/urine

Answer 4

Muscle: hyperglycaemia, fatty acid/ketone body oxidation, proteolysis
Adipose tissue: lipolysis
Plasma/urine: hyperglycaemia, glucose excreted, no fatty acid synthesis

Question 5

Consequences

Answer 5

Short term: hyperglycaemia, ketoacidosis

Long term: CV disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy

Question 6

Diagnosis

Answer 6

Fasting Blood Glucose levels - 2 overnight fasts
Glucose tolerance test - drink glycols drink after overnight fast
HbA1c - longer term