Diabetes

Question 1

Diagnosis of diabetes should not be based on…

Answer 1

Diagnosis should NOT be made on:
Glycosuria
Finger prick blood glucose
A venous plasma sample is needed in an accredited laboratory

Question 2

What is the HbA1C?

Answer 2

The HbA1C level changes slowly, over 10 weeks, so it can be used as a ‘quality control’ test
This gives us a 3 month average of blood sugar so is an excellent show of control
However the sugar cant stick to the rbc in sickle cell so is not used in these diseases, and isn’t used in children

Question 3

What is the classification of diabetes?

Answer 3

Type 1: b cell destruction

Type 2: insulin resistance +/- insulin deficiency due to b cell dysfunction

Question 4

What is type 1 DM?

Answer 4

Commonest cause is autoimmune destruction of B-cells
Interaction between genetic factors and environment
Onset is abrupt, but B-cell antigens may be present for many years
Pre-diabetic state mild abnormalities of insulin secretion and glucose tolerance can be detected