Diabetes Mellitus Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering pathophysiology, diagnostic lab values, clinical presentation, metabolic syndrome, diet, and nursing management of Diabetes Mellitus.

Insulin

A hormone that puts sugar and $K^+$ into the cell.

Glycogen

Stored glucose in the liver.

Nephropathy

Kidney complication of Diabetes Mellitus characterized by high creatinine over $1.3$.

Retinopathy

Eye complication of Diabetes Mellitus causing blindness.

Neuropathy

Nerve complication of Diabetes Mellitus causing loss of feeling.

Metabolic Syndrome

A condition requiring $3$ or more criteria (BP meds/HTN over $130$ systolic, blood sugar meds or high blood sugar over $100+$, female waist $35+$ / male waist $45+$, high lipids) that increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Autoimmune condition where the body produces no insulin because it attacks the pancreas; associated with heredity ("SON").

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Condition characterized by insulin resistance where few insulin receptors work; linked to diet (high simple sugars) and a sedentary lifestyle ("YOU").

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar level of $115$ or more, described as "hot and dry = sugar high" where blood turns to mud, with causes including sepsis, stress, skipping insulin, and steroids.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar level of $70$ or less, described as "cold and clammy need some candy", which is the most deadly complication because "Hypogly Brain will Die!".

3 P's

Classic signs of high sugar (Hyperglycemia) consisting of Polyuria, Polydipsia, and Polyphagia.

HIWASH

Mnemonic for hypoglycemia symptoms: Headache, Irritable, Weakness, Anxious, Sweaty, Shaky, and Hungry.

HgBA1C Diagnostic Levels

Diagnostic lab values: Normal is under $5.7$, Pre-DM is $5.7-6.4$, and DM is $6.5+$.

Fasting Blood Sugar Diagnostic Levels

Diagnostic lab values: Normal is under $100$, Pre-DM is $100-125$, and DM is $126+$.

GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) Diagnostic Levels

Diagnostic lab values: Normal is under $140$, Pre-DM is $140-199$, and DM is $200+$.

Good High Fiber Foods

Healthy "BROWN" foods including beans, brown rice, brown bread, peanut butter, and whole wheat/grain/milk.

Bad Low Fiber Foods

Unhealthy "White" foods including white bread, white rice, potatoes (fries), and low fat milk.

Diabetic Foot Care NCLEX Key Words

Daily inspection (NOT weekly), properly fitting shoes (NO sandals), soft cotton socks (NOT nylon), nails trimmed cut straight (NOT curved angles), no OTC corn removal, avoiding overly hot baths/pads, avoiding flip flops/high heels, and reporting non-healing skin wounds to the HCP.

Hypoglycemia Treatment (Awake vs. Sleeping)

If awake, ask the client to eat juice, soda, crackers, or low fat milk (NOT high fat milk or peanut butter); if sleeping, administer D50 IV/IO ("stab them").