Diagnosing diabetes (L1)

Question 1

Symptoms of Type 1 and 2 diabetes

Answer 1

Type 1
2-4 week history of thirst, polyuria, weight loss, lethargy (acute)
Type 2
Same as above with visual disturbances and infections occuring over several months (sub-acute)

Question 2

Polyuria

Answer 2

Excessive urination

Question 3

Lethargy

Answer 3

A pathological state of sleepiness or deep unresponsiveness and inactivity

Question 4

Glucosuria

Answer 4

Excretion of glucose in urine (could also be due to low renal threshold)

Question 5

Hyperglycaemia

Answer 5

Elevated blood glucose levels (main sign of diabetes)

Question 6

Clinical signs of diabetes

Answer 6

Glucosuria
Hyperglycaemia
Impaired glucose tolerance (exclude other causes e.g. liver disease/obesity)
Diabetes complications (retinopathy, foot ulcers etc.)

Question 7

retinopathy

Answer 7

Any damage to the retina of the eyes, which may cause vision impairment.

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of diabetes

Answer 8

High glucose causes water to be drawn from interstitial space to blood in order to Increase blood osmolarity
Increase in blood volume causes increased urinary output
Increased urinary output exceeds reabsorptive capacity of renal tubules causing polyuria and glucosuria
Loss of fluids and electrolytes stimulates thirst

Weight loss due to dehydration and lack of insulin.
Body switched to using glycogen, fats and proteins for energy
break down of fat leads to production of ketone bodies causing ketoacidosis

Question 9

Ketoacidosis

Answer 9

Increase in blood acidity due to ketones

Question 10

How to test for Diabetes

Answer 10

Symptomatic requires 1 test, asymptomatic requires 2
Detection of glucose in urine (not definitive)
Random venous plasma glucose test (≥ 11.1 mmol/L)
Fasting venous plasma glucose test (≥ 7 mmol/L)