Week 6: Endocrine Flashcards
Define diabetes mellitus
a group of chronic disorders of the endocrine pancreas characterized by the relative of absolute deficiency of insulin
Type 1 diabetes
polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, glycosuria, weight loss, lethargy, blurred vision
Polyuria
excess secretion of urine
Polydipsia
drinking more fluids as a result of dehydration
Polyphagia
excessive appetite for food
Glycosuria
excess sugar in the urine due to the kidney not reabsorbing all filtered glucose
Type 2 diabetes
the condition of hyperglycaemia despite the availability of insulin;
clinical manifestations of type 2 diabetes
blurred vision, polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, skin infections, polyphagia
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
complication of diabetes in which the chemical balance of the body becomes acidic
Clinical maniftesations of diabetic ketoacidosis
dehydration, metabolic acidosis, nausea and vomiting, lethargy, coma, ketone breath
Pathophysiology of DKA
fat breaks down into free fatty acids > formation of ketone bodies by the liver > inadequate insulin stops the formation of excessive ketone bodies > ketone bodies accumulate in the circulation > diabetic ketoacidosis
Define hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome (HHS)
complication of diabetes which high blood sugars cause severe dehydration, increases in osmolarity and a high risk of complications, coma and death
Pathophysiology of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome (HHS)
insulin deficiency > ^ serum glucose > serum osmolarity > polyuria > volume depletion & hemoconcentration > ^ blood glucose level
Pathophysiology of hypoglycaemia
^ transport of glucose into cells > v CNS function > SNS ^ gluconeogenesis > hypoglycaemia
Define adrenal insufficiency
a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones
Define adrenal crisis
state of profound adrenocortical insufficiency
Define hypothyroidism
abnormally low activity of the thyroid gland, resulting in retardation of growth and mental development
Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism
exhaustion, impaired memory, slow speech, depressed, long periods of sleep, anaemia, cold intolerance, hair loss, weight gain, brittle nails
Identify the causes of hypothyroidism
thyroidectomy, antithyroid drugs, large amounts of iodine, iodine deficiency, thyroiditis
Clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism
hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, weight loss, bittle nails, hair loss, fatigue
Management of hyperthyroidism
anti-thyroid drugs, iodine, B-blockers, radioactive therapy, surgical intervention, nutrition
Addison’s disease
chronic endocrine disorder where sufficient steroid hormones aren’t produced
Clinical manifestations of Addison’s disease
fatigue, lightheadedness, muscle weakness, fever, weight loss, nausea, vomiting
Cushing’s disease
characterized by the high levels of the hormone cortisol
Clinical manifestations of Cushing’s disease
weight gain, muscular weakness, thirst, polyuria, headaches, hypertension
4 indications of blood glucose measurement
hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, pts on diabetes medication, altered consciousness
Equipment needed for BGL assessment
blood glucose meter, test strip, loves, sharps container, spring loaded pricking device, sterile needles
4 things that may cause the BGL to be elevated
food, insulin, stress, medications
4 things that may cause the BGL to be low
overmedication, alcohol, missed meals, infection
