MEH - Diabetes Mellitus

Question 1

What causes type 1 diabetes?

Answer 1

Autoimmune beta cell destruction - autoantibodies are directed against the beta cells so insulin producing cells are destroyed

Question 2

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Answer 2

Either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the cells cannot use the insulin properly

Question 3

How does diabetes mellitus present?

Answer 3

Polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision, urogenital infections, tiredness, weakness, weight loss

Question 4

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Answer 4

• fasting glucose
• oral glucose tolerance test
• HbA1c

Question 5

How does type 1 diabetes present?

Answer 5

Rapid onset (weeks) weight loss, polyuria and polydipsia, may be ketoacidosis

Question 6

What is the main treatment of type 1 diabetes?

Answer 6

Exogenous insulin given by sub-cutaneous injection several times per day

Question 7

What lifestyle factors can be linked with type 2 diabetes?

Answer 7

Obesity and physical inactivity

Question 8

Why is type 2 diabetes sometime difficult to detect?

Answer 8

The symptoms are very variable due to the slower rise in blood glucose, and they may be asymptomatic. May have polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss.