Day 7: Glucose / Diabetes Pattern

Glucose

Glucose is the body's primary source of energy for cells.

Insulin

Insulin allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into cells for energy.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in little or no insulin production.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is caused primarily by insulin resistance with progressive beta-cell dysfunction.

Why does hyperglycemia occur?

Hyperglycemia occurs because insulin is absent or ineffective, so glucose remains in the bloodstream.

Why does diabetes cause polyuria?

Excess glucose spills into the urine, pulling water with it by osmosis and increasing urine output.

Why does diabetes cause polydipsia?

Large water losses from polyuria lead to dehydration, stimulating thirst.

Why does diabetes cause polyphagia?

Cells cannot use glucose effectively, so the body senses starvation and increases hunger.

Why does untreated diabetes cause weight loss?

The body breaks down fat and muscle for energy when glucose cannot be used effectively.

Why does DKA occur?

Without insulin, the body breaks down fat, producing acidic ketones that cause metabolic acidosis.

Why do patients with DKA have Kussmaul respirations?

Deep, rapid breathing helps remove carbon dioxide to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

Why is potassium closely monitored during DKA?

Total body potassium is often depleted even if the blood potassium level is initially normal or high.

Why does HHS usually occur without ketosis?

Enough insulin is present to suppress ketone production but not enough to control blood glucose.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is abnormally low blood glucose that deprives the brain of its primary energy source.

Why does hypoglycemia cause confusion?

The brain depends on glucose for energy, so low glucose impairs brain function.

Why is insulin given in DKA?

Insulin lowers blood glucose, stops ketone production, and helps reverse metabolic acidosis.