Diabetes and Insulin Function

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and important concepts related to diabetes, insulin function, management, and complications.

Diabetes

A chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or properly use the insulin produced.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.

Beta Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Hyperglycemia

A condition where the blood sugar level is higher than normal.

Hypoglycemia

A condition where the blood sugar level is lower than normal.

Polyuria

Excessive urination often associated with high blood sugar.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst often due to dehydration from high blood sugar.

Polyphagia

Excessive hunger as a result of the body's inability to utilize glucose.

Type 1 Diabetes

A form of diabetes that typically occurs in childhood and is characterized by the absence of insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

A form of diabetes that usually occurs in adults and is often linked to obesity and insulin resistance.

Kussmaul's Breathing

Deep, rapid breathing often indicative of metabolic acidosis, particularly in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar, ketones in the urine, and metabolic acidosis.

Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1C)

A blood test that indicates average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body fluids.

Glucosuria

The presence of glucose in the urine, often an indication of uncontrolled diabetes.

Ketones

Chemicals produced by the liver during the breakdown of fats, often found in the urine of diabetic patients.

Normal Blood Sugar Range

Typically, a fasting blood sugar level of 70 to 99 mg/dL is considered normal.

Fasting Blood Sugar

A blood sugar test performed after not eating for at least 8 hours.

Sliding Scale Insulin

A method of dosing insulin based on current blood sugar readings.

Ketoneuria

The presence of ketones in the urine, indicating fat breakdown.

Nephropathy

Kidney damage, which can be a complication of diabetes.

Emergency Protocol

Immediate actions taken when a patient's blood sugar is critically low or high.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where the body does not respond effectively to insulin, common in Type 2 diabetes.

A1C Measurement

Test used to monitor long-term glucose control in diabetes management.

Severe Hypoglycemia

Blood sugar levels that drop dangerously low, typically <50 mg/dL, leading to symptoms such as confusion or unconsciousness.

Diabetes Management

Involves diet, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and medication.

Diabetes Complications

Possible issues arising from diabetes, affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and cardiovascular system.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition wherein the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, such as in Type 1 diabetes.

Obesity

Excess body weight that often contributes to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Stress and Diabetes

Stress can elevate blood sugar levels and complicate diabetes management.

Patient Education

Information provided to patients about managing their diabetes and recognizing symptoms.

Carbohydrate Counting

A method used by diabetics to track carbohydrate intake to manage blood sugar levels.

Dietary Recommendations

Specific nutrition guidance to help control blood sugar and overall health in diabetic patients.

Insulin Pump

A device that continuously delivers insulin to maintain blood glucose levels.

Blood Sugar Fluctuation

Variability in blood glucose levels due to diet, activity, and insulin use.

Endocrine Function

Body processes regulated by hormones produced by glands such as the pancreas.

Compensatory Mechanisms

Body functions that attempt to maintain balance, like breathing changes in response to ketones.

Diabetic Foot Care

Preventive foot care practices to prevent ulcers and infections in diabetic patients.

Sick Day Management

Guidelines for managing diabetes during illness or times of stress.

Alcohol and Diabetes

Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and should be consumed with caution.

Hypoglycemic Symptoms

Signs of low blood sugar include dizziness, confusion, shaking, and sweating.

Infusion Sets

Components of an insulin pump used to deliver insulin subcutaneously.

Nutrition Labels

Information on food packaging indicating sugar and carbohydrate content relative to diabetes management.

Cholesterol and Diabetes

Managing cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients.

Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

Condition common in diabetics that can worsen blood sugar control.

Neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels.

Vision Changes

Diabetes can lead to blurred vision or retinopathy due to high blood sugar.

Foot Ulcers

Open sores or wounds on the feet of diabetics due to neuropathy and poor circulation.

Familial History

The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can be higher if there is a family history.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Regular monitoring can help prevent complications in diabetics.

Education Interventions

Strategies aimed at improving patient knowledge about diabetes management.

Psychosocial Impact

References the emotional and social challenges faced by those with diabetes.

Screening for Diabetes

Testing methods that include fasting glucose and A1C to detect diabetes early.

Risk Assessment

Identifying factors that might predispose someone to diabetes.

Lifestyle Modification

Changes in diet and exercise habits to manage or prevent diabetes.

Long-term Monitoring

Ongoing assessments of blood glucose and overall health in diabetic patients.

Patient Support Groups

Communities where individuals share experiences and strategies for managing diabetes.

Ketogenesis

The process of converting fat into ketones during prolonged glucose scarcity.

Emergency Response Plan

Crisis strategy for managing severe high or low blood sugar.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Risk

Risk factors for heart problems associated with diabetes prevalence.

Treatment Compliance

The degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice for diabetes management.

Long-term Complications of Diabetes

Keith long-term effects like heart disease, kidney failure, and neuropathy.

Nutritional Guidelines for Diabetics

Plat for controlling carbohydrate intake and avoiding spikes in blood sugar.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood; Type 2 affects adults due to lifestyle factors.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

A method of tracking blood glucose levels continuously throughout the day.

Exercise Recommendations

Incorporating physical activity as part of a diabetes management plan.

Glycemic Index

A ranking of carbohydrates based on their effect on blood glucose levels.

Insulin Sensitivity

How responsive the body cells are to insulin, affecting blood sugar levels.

Renal Function Testing

Tests to evaluate kidney health, particularly in diabetic patients.

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

Examples include frequent urination, extreme thirst, and fatigue.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

Low energy, shaking, irritability, and excessive sweating.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and often disappears after delivering the baby.

Emergency Kits for Diabetics

Supplies such as glucose tablets or glucagon injection kits for emergencies.

Dietitian Consultations for Diabetics

Professional guidance on meal planning and nutrition education.

Impact of Smoking on Diabetes

Smoking exacerbates diabetes and increases complications.

Healthcare Team for Diabetes Management

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of doctors, nurses, dietitians, and educators.

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)

Regularly checking blood sugar levels to manage diabetes effectively.

Prognosis for Diabetics

The expected outcome of diabetes management and potential complications.

Awareness of Diabetes Symptoms

Understanding key indicators of diabetes for timely intervention.