Education Pathophysiology and Treatment Flashcards

What is the primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes?

Answer: Autoimmune destruction of beta cells

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This destruction leads to an absolute deficiency of insulin, which is essential for glucose uptake by cells. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.

What is a common treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?

Answer: Oral medications such as metformin

While diet modification and exercise are fundamental, oral medications like metformin are a common first-line pharmacological treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. Metformin works by reducing glucose production by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity in the body's cells. Insulin injections are typically reserved for later stages or when oral medications are insufficient to control blood sugar.

What is insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes?

Answer: The body's cells fail to respond to insulin

Insulin resistance is a hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes, where the body's cells (muscle, fat, and liver) do not respond effectively to insulin. This means glucose struggles to enter the cells, leading to higher blood glucose levels. The pancreas initially tries to compensate by producing more insulin, but eventually, it may not be able to keep up with the demand.

Which of the following is a common complication of poorly controlled diabetes?

Answer: Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a common and serious complication of poorly controlled diabetes, resulting from nerve damage due to persistently high blood sugar levels over time. It often affects the feet and hands, causing numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness. Other complications include retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease.

Which type of insulin is fast-acting?

Answer: Rapid-acting insulin

Rapid-acting insulins, such as insulin lispro, aspart, and glulisine, are designed to start working very quickly, typically within 15 minutes, and peak around 1-2 hours. They are usually taken just before or with meals to cover the carbohydrate intake and prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes. This quick action makes them suitable for immediate glucose control.

How does Metformin help control blood glucose in Type 2 Diabetes?

Answer: By reducing glucose production in the liver

Metformin primarily works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, a process called hepatic gluconeogenesis. It also improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing cells to use glucose more effectively. These actions collectively help lower blood glucose levels in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

What is the target blood glucose range for most people with diabetes?

Answer: 80-130 mg/dL before meals, <180 mg/dL after meals

For most non-pregnant adults with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a target blood glucose range of 80-130 mg/dL before meals. Post-meal (1-2 hours after the start of a meal) blood glucose should ideally be less than 180 mg/dL to minimize the risk of complications. Individual targets may vary based on age, comorbidities, and duration of diabetes.