Diabetes Flashcards
(199 cards)
What is diabetes?
A chronic multi-system disease related to abnormal or impaired insulin utilization
Diabetes is characterized by
Hyperglycemia resulting from lack of insulin, lack of insulin effect, or both
Diabetes is a combination of causative factors
Genetic, hereditary
Autoimmune
Lifestyle
Pancreas
Exocrine function
Produces enzymes for digestion
Pancreas
Endocrine function
Islets of Langerhans
Hormones: insulin and glucagon
Liver
Stores and produces glucose
Insulin is made by the
Beta cells of the pancreas and is released in small amounts to the blood stream
Liver and muscle cells store
Excess glucose as glycogen
Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue are
Insulin dependent tissues
(Insulin is required to “unlock” receptor sites in cells, allowing transport of glucose into cells to be used for energy)
Glucagon is released from the
Alpha cells of the pancreas
Insulin
Facilitates transport
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by
The beta cells in the islet of langerhans
Insulin is normally released in
Small increments when food is ingested
Counterregulatory hormones
Cortisol
Growth hormone
Epinephrine
Glucagon
Insulin resistance
The body is making keys (insulin), BUT the keys don’t work very well at opening the locked doors of the cells in the body
Insulin insufficiency
The body is making insulin, but not enough
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia occurs when
There is too much insulin in proportion to available glucose
Hypoglycemia ___________ _____________
Worsens rapidly and needs to be treated ASAP
What is released with hypoglycemia?
Counterregulatory hormones
What provides a defense against hypoglycemia?
Suppression of insulin secretion and production of glucagon & epinephrine
Hypoglycemia untreated
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Coma
Death
Causes of hypoglycemia
Alcohol intake without food
Too little food
Too much diabetic meds (insulin, orals)
Too much exercise without adequate food intake
Weight loss without change in meds
Sendentary lifestyle with an unusually active day
S/S of hypoglycemia
Cold, clammy skin
Numbness of fingers, toes, mouth
Tachycardia, palpitations
Headache
Nervousness
Faintness, dizziness
Stupor
Slurred speech
Hunger
Changes in vision
Seizures, coma
Irritability