Week 8 - Hyperglycaemia Flashcards
- What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Triggered by the build-up of ketones, causing blood to become too acidic. Because glucose cannot be used, fat is broken down and converted to ketones in the liver, when insulin remains too low the ketones build up excessively .
Common causes include missed dose of insulin or acute infection in person with T1.
- What are the s/s of DKA?
- Extreme thirst
- Lethargy
- Frequent urination
- N/V
- Abdominal pain
- Progressive drowsiness
- Deep, rapid breathing
- Fruit, acetone smell on breath
- What is Diabetic Hyperosmolar coma?
Caused by severe dehydration and very high BGL, usually due to missed medication/insulin, infection/illness, increased intake of sugary foods.
Those most at risk are T2DM.
Develops slowly over several days or weeks.
They will be very thirsty, but can’t drink enough water to replace lost fluids.
- Explain the pathophysiology of GDM:
Hormones are made by the placenta to help the baby develop, but they stop the mother’s insulin from working properly. As the baby grows, the mother has to make more insulin to keep her BGL at optimal level (2-3 times more insulin than usual). If mother cannot meet this demand her BGL will rise and GDM will develop
- Explain the pathophysiology of GDM:
Hormones are made by the placenta to help the baby develop, but they stop the mother’s insulin from working properly. As the baby grows, the mother has to make more insulin to keep her BGL at optimal level (2-3 times more insulin than usual). If mother cannot meet this demand her BGL will rise and GDM will develop. The baby’s response to higher glucose levels is to make more insulin, leading the baby to become large.
- What are the risk factors for GDM?
- Age >40
- Family Hx of T2DM
- Obesity
- ATSI
- Antipsychotic or steroid medication
- Previously had large baby or GDM
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- What are the s/s of GDM?
Usually no obvious symptoms, but may include:
- Increased thirst
- Excessive urination
- Tiredness
- Thrush
