Pathophysiology

Question 1

What is diabetes?

Answer 1

Chronic metabolic condition
Hyperglycaemia due to impaired insulin production and secretion with or without insulin resistance

Question 2

What is type 1 diabetes?

Answer 2

• Destruction of B-cells (cells in the pancreas which produce insulin)
• Lack of insulin results in raised blood glucose (insulin helps cells to absorb glucose from blood)
• Autoimmune disease (T-cells attack B-cells)

Question 3

What is the epidiomology of type 1 diabetes?

Answer 3

Usually in children or young adults
Faster symptom onset

Question 4

What is type 2 diabetes?

Answer 4

• Insulin resistance (insulin helps cells to absorb glucose from blood)
• B-cells can produce insulin however cells not responding to insulin so the body is unable to effectively use insulin
• As the disease progresses, pancreas reduce insulin production

Question 5

What is the epidiomology of type 2 diabetes?

Answer 5

Most common in South Asians
Usually >40 years
Clear association between diabetes and obesity
Can be genetic

Question 6

Compare type 1 diabetes with type 2.

Answer 6

Question 7

Describe how the body responds to low and high blood glucose (in non-diabetic patients)

Answer 7

Question 8

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Answer 8

4 Ts
- Toilet (increased urination)
- Thirstiness
- Thinner (due to dehydration and breakdown of muscle as an energy source)
- Tiredness

Can also experience blurred vision.

Symptoms are often faster and more severe in type 1 diabetes.