Endocrine System and Diabetes Mellitus Management

Vocabulary flashcards covering the endocrine system, diabetes mellitus signs, symptoms, types, and pharmacological management.

Endocrine system

A system consisting of glands that secrete hormones.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that target certain organs to affect a change.

Thyroid gland

A gland responsible for growth and development.

Thymus gland

A gland associated with the immune system.

Adrenal gland

A gland that regulates BP (blood pressure) and metabolism.

Insulin

A hormone produced in the "beta" cells of the pancreas that stimulates the movement of glucose into cells and glycogenesis.

Glycogenesis

The process stimulated by high levels of blood glucose and insulin resulting in the movement of glucose into cells.

Glucagon

A hormone produced in the "alpha" cells of the pancreas prompted by low levels of blood glucose.

Glycogenolysis

The conversion of glycogen to glucose.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin.

Hyperglycemia

High levels of glucose in the blood.

Glucosuria

High levels of glucose in the urine.

Polyuria

One of the signs and symptoms of untreated Diabetes Mellitus involving excessive urination.

Polyphagia

One of the signs and symptoms of untreated Diabetes Mellitus involving excessive hunger.

Polydipsia

One of the signs and symptoms of untreated Diabetes Mellitus involving excessive thirst.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious complication of hyperglycemia where the body uses lipids (fat) as an energy source because glucose is unavailable to the cells.

Basal insulin

Background insulin used in lifelong therapy for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Bolus insulin

Insulin delivery used to manage blood glucose levels during meal times in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio (ICR)

A ratio used by patients to understand and calculate the amount of insulin needed based on carbohydrate intake.

Rapid-acting insulin

A type of insulin, such as Lispro or Aspart, with an onset of $10-15\,\text{min}$ and a duration of $3-5\,\text{hours}$.

Short-acting insulin

Regular insulin which has an onset of $30\,\text{min}$ and a duration of $5-7\,\text{hours}$.

Intermediate-acting insulin

NPH insulin, which has an onset of $60-90\,\text{minutes}$ and a duration of $16-24\,\text{hours}$; it is the only longer acting insulin that can be mixed with short acting insulins.

Long-acting insulin

Insulin such as Lantus Glarnine 46 that has an onset of $1-2\,\text{hours}$ and a duration of $24-36\,\text{hours}$, typically given once a day.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type 2

A condition where target cells become unresponsive to insulin due to a defect with the receptors, often associated with obesity and lack of exercise.

Metformin (Glucophage)

A Biguanide medication that improves insulin sensitivity and slows hepatic glucose production by slowing gluconeogenesis.

Gluconeogenesis

The creation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids.

Sulfonylurea

A drug class including Glipizide and Glyburide that stimulates insulin secretion regardless of blood glucose levels.

GLP-1 Agonists

A drug class with the suffix "-tide" that increases insulin secretion only when blood glucose is high, suppresses glucagon, and slows gastric emptying.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

A drug class with the common suffix "-gliflozin," such as Canagliflozin or Empagliflozin.

Viscous lidocaine

An anesthetic used for the oral mucosa of the mouth.

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome

A condition treated with Anticholinergic Agents, Vibegron, or Mirabegron.