Diabetes Flashcards
Define diabetes
A metabolic disorder which results in polyuria and polysipsia
(excessive thirst and urination)
Define diabetes mellitus
A group of metabolic disorders characterised by a problem with the secretion or action, or both, of insulin
What are the 4 main types of diabetes mellitus?
Type 1
Type 2
MODY (Maturity onset diabetes of the young)
Gestational
Define hypoglycaemia
When blood glucose level fall below 4mmol/l
Define hyperglycaemia
When blood glucose levels rise above 7mmol/l
In type 1 diabetes, destruction of what structure leads to a lack of insulin production?
Pancreatic islet cells
Describe the normal function of insulin in the body
Insulin interacts with a receptor on the cell surface which causes a change in the GLUT4 receptor which allows glucose to be taken up into the cell for energy
Using the above answer, now describe the pathophysiology of Type 1 diabetes
In Type 1 diabetes, the lack of insulin means that glucose in not taken up into the cells and so the glucose level remains high in the blood
How do Type 1 diabetics manage their condition?
Insulin injections
How is Type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
When patient presents with diabetic symptoms but all other causes have been ruled out
What is the primary abnormality in Type 2 diabetes?
The receptors are resistant to the insulin produced
What may be responsible for this?
Increased fatty acids and inflammatory mediators in the body
What 2 tests can be performed in order to diagnose Type 2 diabetes?
The PT has a fasting blood glucose of >7mmol/l
Or they are given 75mg of glucose and their blood glucose is measured 2 hours later - if it is 11mmol/l or more then they are diabetic
What is the first drug patients will take to control Type 2 diabetes?
Metformin
What do HbA1C levels allow measurement of?
Glucose level over the past 6-8 weeks
