Hormonal Homeostasis Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering hormonal homeostasis, specifically focusing on thyroid dysfunction and glucose regulation/diabetes management based on lecture notes.

Primary Hormonal Dysfunction

Impaired hormone homeostasis originating from dysfunction of the target organ, such as the thyroid.

Secondary Hormonal Dysfunction

Impaired hormone homeostasis originating from dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Tertiary Hormonal Dysfunction

Impaired hormone homeostasis originating from dysfunction of the hypothalamus.

T3

The active thyroid hormone.

T4 (Thyroxine)

The thyroid hormone that is converted into active T3 by the body.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism.

Bradycardia

A common clinical cue of hypothyroidism characterized by a slow heart rate.

Graves disease

An autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

Exophthalmos

A clinical cue of hyperthyroidism characterized by bulging eyes.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland, identified as a cue of hyperthyroidism.

Levothyroxine

A medication that replaces deficient T4, which is then converted into active T3.

Euthyroidism

The goal of thyroid replacement therapy, referring to achieving normal thyroid hormone levels.

Methimazole

An antithyroid drug that inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis to treat hyperthyroidism.

Agranulocytosis

A serious adverse effect of methimazole involving a severe reduction in white blood cell count.

Sodium iodide

A treatment for hyperthyroidism that destroys thyroid tissue through radiation, often inducing lifelong hypothyroidism.

Glycogen

The stored form of glucose in the body.

Glycogenesis

The formation of glycogen from glucose.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose.

Gluconeogenesis

The process by which the liver makes glucose from amino acids and fats.

Glucagon

A hormone that stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to increase blood glucose levels.

Fasting glucose (Normal)

A glucose level between $70\text{--}115\,mg/dL$.

Hemoglobin A1C (Normal)

A measurement of average blood sugar over time that is normally less than $5.7\%$.

Hypoglycemia

A medical emergency diagnosed when glucose falls below $70\,mg/dL$.

Hyperglycemia

A condition diagnosed when blood glucose rises to $\ge 200\,mg/dL$.

Polyphagia

Excessive hunger caused by cellular starvation when glucose cannot enter cells.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst resulting from dehydration caused by hyperglycemia.

Polyuria

Excessive urination resulting from the body's attempt to excrete excess glucose.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune destruction of beta cells resulting in no insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition characterized by insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell loss over time.

DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)

An acute complication mostly affecting Type 1 diabetics where fat breakdown produces ketones, causing metabolic acidosis.

HHS (Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State)

An acute complication of diabetes mostly seen in Type 2 patients.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing often observed as a cue of DKA.

Bolus Insulin

Insulin given around mealtimes or to correct hyperglycemia (e.g., Lispro, Regular).

Basal Insulin

Insulin that keeps blood glucose steady over time (e.g., NPH, Glargine).

Sliding Scale

Insulin dosing based on the current blood glucose level to correct hyperglycemia.

Prandial Dosing

Insulin dosing based on the amount of carbohydrates consumed during a meal.

Lispro

A rapid-acting insulin with an onset of $15\text{--}30\,min$ and a peak of $1\text{--}3\,hr$.

Regular Insulin

A short-acting insulin with an onset of $30\,min$ and the only insulin that can be administered IV.

Glargine

A long-acting basal insulin that has no peak and a duration of $20\text{--}24\,hr$.

Metformin

A medication that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves glucose uptake; must be held for 48 hours after contrast dye.

Glyburide

A medication that stimulates insulin secretion from beta cells; contains a warning for those with sulfa allergies.

Empagliflozin

A medication that increases glucose excretion in the urine, with a risk of acute kidney injury and UTIs.