Intro to Diabetes Flashcards
What is Diabetes?
A chronic- multi system disease related to abnormal or impaired insulin utilization
How is diabetes characterized?
Characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar/glucose in the bloodstream) resulting from lack of insulin, lack of insulin effect, or both.
The etiology and pathophysiology of diabetes is a combination of causative factors, what are these? 4
- Genetics; Heredity
- Autoimmune
- Lifestyle
- Absent or insufficient and/or poor utilization of insulin
(Etiology & Patho)
Insulin is made by what cells/where? and is released where?
Insulin is made by the BETA CELLS of the PANCREAS and is released in small amounts into the BLOOD STREAM.
A blood sugar level of < 70 mg/dl is classified as?
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Occurs when there is too much insulin in proportion to available? what is this called?
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Occurs when there is too much insulin in proportion to available GLUCOSE.
counter regulatory hormones can be released when a patient is?
HYPOGLYCEMIC
Does Hypoglycemia worsen rapidly or slowly? when should it be treated?
Hypoglycemia worsens rapidly and needs to be treated ASAP.
What can untreated Hypoglycemia lead to?
Can progress to unconsciousness, seizures, coma, and death.
what are the signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia? 12
- Cold, Clammy skin
- Numbness of fingers, toes, mouth
- Tachycardia, palpitations
- Headache
- Nervousness, Tremors
- Faintness, Dizziness
- Stupor
- Slurred Speech
- Hunger
- Changes in vision
- Seizures, Coma
- Irritability
What are the physiological consequences of hypoglycemia? 3
- Neurological symptoms
- Hypoglycemia Unawareness
- Autonomic Nueropathy
Factors Affecting Hypoglycemia: (HOSPITALIZATIONS) 4
- Overuse of SSI (Sliding Scale Insulin)
- Lack of dosage changes when dietary intake is changed
- Overly Vigorous treatment of hyperglycemia
- Delayed meal after fast acting insulin is used
A blood sugar level over > 200mg/dl is considered what>
Hyperglycemia
When does hyperglycemia occur?
- Occurs when there is not enough insulin working
- Too much glucose in the blood
Which type, Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia has a more gradual onset?
Hyperglycemia has a more gradual onset
Untreated Hyperglycemia can lead to?
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
- or Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemia Syndrome (HHS)
- Coma
- Death
What are some common causes of Hyperglycemia? 7
- Illness, Infection
- Corticosteriods
- Too much food
- Not enough Diabetic Medication ( Insulin, Oral)
- Inactivity
- Emotional, Physical stress
- Poor absorption of insulin
Hyperglycemia signs and symptoms? 12
- Hot and Dry
- Increased Urination (polyuria)
- Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
- Weakness, Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Glycosuria
- Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramps
- Progression to DKA, HHS
- Mood Swings
- Slow healing wounds/ infections
Treatment for Hyperglycemia: 6
- Continued Diabetic medications as prescribed
- Check blood glucose frequently (Record Results)
- Check urine for Ketones (Record Results)
- Drink Fluids at least on an hourly basis
- Exercise or stay active
- Notify HCP if blood glucose levels do not decrease in a few days
Factors affecting Hyperglycemia: HOSPITALIZATION: 4
- Changes in treatment regimen
- Medications
- IV Dextrose
- Overly Vigorous treatment of Hypoglycemia
Diagnostic Studies for Diabetes: 4
- HA1C
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
- Fasting Plasma Glucose
- Random Blood Glucose
Hemoglobin A1C : 3
- Also known as Glycosylated Hemoglobin A1C
- Glycosylated hemoglobin is the hemoglobin that glucose is bound to
- Reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months
(Hemoglobin A1C Lab Values)
Normal:
Pre- Diabetes:
Diabetes:
American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C of ?
Normal: less than 5.7%
Pre-diabetes: 5.7%-6.5%
Diabetes: 6.5% and higher
American Diabetes Association recommends an HA1C of less than 7%
(Fasting Plasma Glucose Lab Values )
Normal:
Pre-Diabetes:
Diabetes:
Normal: Less than 100mg/dl
Pre-Diabetes:100-125mg/dl
Diabetes: 126mg/dl or higher