Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus 14.12.23

Question 1

Presenting symptoms of diabetes

Answer 1

Thirst (osmotic activation of the hypothalamus)
Polyuria (osmotic diuresis)
Weight loss and fatigue (lipid and muscle loss due to unrestrained gluconeogenesis)
Hunger (lack of useable energy source)
Pruritis vulvae and balanitis (Vaginal candidiasis, chest/skin infections)
Blurred vision (altered acuity due to uptake of glucose/water into lens)

Question 2

What antibodies for type 1 diabetes are tested for in Sheffield?

Answer 2

Anti GAD
Pancreatic islet cell antibody
Islet antigen-2 antibody
ZnT8

Question 3

What features define diabetic ketoacidosis?

Answer 3

Hyperglycaemia (plasma glucose usually <50 mmol/l)
Raised plasma ketones (urine ketones > 2+)
Metabolic acidosis – plasma bicarbonate < 15 mmol/l