Chapter 44: Diabetes Flashcards
(224 cards)
What is the primary function of insulin?
To move glucose out of the blood and into body cells for energy
Which cells in the pancreas produce insulin?
Beta-cells
What hormone is produced by alpha-cells in the pancreas?
Glucagon
What does glucagon do when blood glucose is low?
Pulls glucose back into the blood by releasing glucose from glycogen
What happens if glycogen is depleted?
Glucagon signals fat cells to make ketones as an alternative energy source
What is the role of glucagon in glucose metabolism?
To increase blood glucose levels when they are low
What causes Type 1 diabetes (TID)?
Autoimmune destruction of beta-cells in the pancreas
What happens to insulin production in Type 1 diabetes?
Insulin cannot be produced
Which tests can be done to differentiate between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes?
Testing for islet autoantibodies and C-peptide
What is C-peptide?
A substance released by the pancreas only when insulin is released
What is the C-peptide level in Type 1 diabetes?
Very low or absent (undetectable)
What treatment must patients with Type 1 diabetes receive?
Insulin
What are the two primary factors contributing to T2D?
Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency
List three strong associations with T2D.
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Family history
How can T2D be managed?
With lifestyle modifications alone or in combination with oral and/or injectable medications
What can reduce the risk of progression from prediabetes to diabetes?
Following dietary and exercise recommendations.
What medication can be used to improve BG levels in certain patients?
Metformin.
In which patients is Metformin particularly recommended?
Patients with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m², age 25 - 59 years, and women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
How often should individuals with prediabetes be monitored for diabetes development?
Annually.
What are the two types of diabetes in pregnancy?
• Diabetes present prior to pregnancy
• Diabetes that develops during pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus)
When is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) typically diagnosed?
In the second or third trimester
What can hyperglycemia during pregnancy lead to in infants?
Larger than normal infants (macrosomia) and increased risk for obesity and diabetes later in life
At what weeks of gestation are most pregnant women tested for GDM?
24 - 28 weeks
What test is commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes?
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)