Diabetes Lecture Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key diabetes concepts from the lecture.

Normal fasting blood glucose range

Approximately 70–110 mg/dL; values below 70 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia.

Hyperglycemia signs (the 3 P’s)

Polyuria (urinating a lot), polydipsia (thirsty), and polyphagia (hunger); may include blurred vision and dry skin.

Hypoglycemia signs (TIRED mnemonic)

Tachycardia, Irritability, Restlessness, Excessive hunger, Diaphoresis.

Dry skin vs wet skin cues

Dry skin suggests high blood glucose; wet skin suggests low blood glucose.

Hot and dry vs cold and clammy

'Hot and dry' = high glucose; 'cold and clammy' = low glucose; memory aids for assessment.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Severe hyperglycemia with dehydration and ketosis, usually in Type 1 diabetes; requires hydration and electrolyte correction.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS/HHNS)

Severe hyperglycemia without ketosis, typically in Type 2 diabetes; marked dehydration.

Rule of Fifteens

If hypoglycemic, give 15 g of carbohydrate and recheck in 15 minutes; repeat if still low; follow with a meal or snack.

15 g carbohydrate sources

Examples: 4 oz orange juice, 4 glucose tablets, crackers, graham crackers, skim milk, candy.

Dextrose 50% in water (D50)

IV glucose for severe hypoglycemia when PO intake isn’t possible; rapid correction.

Glucagon (IM) for hypoglycemia

Injectable hormone (often 1 mg IM) used when IV access isn’t available; onset ~10–15 minutes.

Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells; insulin-dependent; typically requires insulin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes

Insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency; often associated with obesity; managed with oral meds or insulin.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy; usually resolves after delivery but increases future diabetes risk.

A1C / Glycosylated hemoglobin

Measures average blood glucose over ~3 months; indicates long-term glycemic control; also called hemoglobin A1C.

Fasting blood glucose

Glucose level after an overnight fast used for diabetes screening/diagnosis.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

Glucose measured after a glucose load; used to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy

Nerve damage from chronic hyperglycemia, often peripheral; causes numbness, tingling, or pain.

Diabetic retinopathy

Damage to retinal vessels due to diabetes; can lead to vision impairment.

Diabetic nephropathy

Kidney damage from diabetes; risk of chronic kidney disease.

Infection risk with diabetes

Higher susceptibility to infections due to hyperglycemia and immune impairment.

Cardiovascular risk in diabetes

Increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease from vascular damage.

DKA management priority

Hydration with isotonic saline and electrolyte management; insulin therapy as indicated.

Type 1 insulin regimen in hospital

Regular insulin with meals plus a long-acting basal insulin; typically 3–4 injections per day.

NPH insulin

Intermediate-acting insulin; onset ~1.5–4 hours; duration ~18–24 hours; usually cloudy; roll to mix; not typically given twice daily.

Regular insulin details

Short-acting insulin; onset ~30 minutes; used with meals; can be given IV in emergencies.

Long-acting insulin

Basal insulin with minimal/no peak; lasts ~24 hours; usually given once daily at bedtime.

Insulin administration sites

Subcutaneous injections in arms, abdomen, or thighs; rotate sites to improve absorption.

Insulin storage and shelf life

Store at room temperature after opening; typically usable for about 30 days; refrigerate unopened vials.

Insulin and potassium

IV regular insulin can treat hyperkalemia by driving potassium into cells; monitor potassium levels.

Mixing insulin order

Draw regular insulin first, then NPH; roll cloudy insulin gently to mix; do not shake.

Exercise and glucose

Exercise lowers blood glucose; patients should eat a snack during exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.

Alcohol and glucose

Alcohol can lower blood glucose by inhibiting hepatic glucose production; risk of overnight hypoglycemia.

Illness and glucose (vomiting/diarrhea)

Infection and GI illness can raise glucose levels despite not eating; monitor closely and hydrate; insulin adjustments may be needed.

Normal fasting blood glucose range

Approximately $70-110 \text{ mg/dL}$; values below $70 \text{ mg/dL}$ indicate hypoglycemia.

Hyperglycemia signs (the 3 P's)

Polyuria (urinating a lot), polydipsia (thirsty), and polyphagia (hunger); may include blurred vision and dry skin.

Hypoglycemia signs (TIRED mnemonic)

Tachycardia, Irritability, Restlessness, Excessive hunger, Diaphoresis.

Dry skin vs wet skin cues

Dry skin suggests high blood glucose; wet skin suggests low blood glucose.

Hot and dry vs cold and clammy

'Hot and dry' = high glucose; 'cold and clammy' = low glucose; memory aids for assessment.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Severe hyperglycemia with dehydration and ketosis, usually in Type $1$ diabetes; requires hydration and electrolyte correction.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS/HHNS)

Severe hyperglycemia without ketosis, typically in Type $2$ diabetes; marked dehydration.

Rule of Fifteens

If hypoglycemic, give $15 \text{ g}$ of carbohydrate and recheck in $15$ minutes; repeat if still low; follow with a meal or snack.

15 g carbohydrate sources

Examples: $4 \text{ oz}$ orange juice, $4$ glucose tablets, crackers, graham crackers, skim milk, candy.

Dextrose $50\%$ in water (D50)

IV glucose for severe hypoglycemia when PO intake isn’t possible; rapid correction.

Glucagon (IM) for hypoglycemia

Injectable hormone (often $1 \text{ mg}$ IM) used when IV access isn’t available; onset $~10-15$ minutes.

Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells; insulin-dependent; typically requires insulin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes

Insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency; often associated with obesity; managed with oral meds or insulin.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy; usually resolves after delivery but increases future diabetes risk.

A1C / Glycosylated hemoglobin

Measures average blood glucose over $~3$ months; indicates long-term glycemic control; also called hemoglobin A1C.

Fasting blood glucose

Glucose level after an overnight fast used for diabetes screening/diagnosis.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

Glucose measured after a glucose load; used to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy

Nerve damage from chronic hyperglycemia, often peripheral; causes numbness, tingling, or pain.

Diabetic retinopathy

Damage to retinal vessels due to diabetes; can lead to vision impairment.

Diabetic nephropathy

Kidney damage from diabetes; risk of chronic kidney disease.

Infection risk with diabetes

Higher susceptibility to infections due to hyperglycemia and immune impairment.

Cardiovascular risk in diabetes

Increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease from vascular damage.

DKA management priority

Hydration with isotonic saline and electrolyte management; insulin therapy as indicated.

Type 1 insulin regimen in hospital

Regular insulin with meals plus a long-acting basal insulin; typically $3-4$ injections per day.

Intermediate-acting insulin / NPH

Onset $~1.5-4$ hours; usually cloudy; gently roll to mix before use.

Short-acting insulin / Regular insulin

Onset $~30$ minutes; typically taken $30-60$ minutes before meals; can be given IV in emergencies.

Long-acting basal insulin types

Examples include Glargine (Lantus, Toujeo), Detemir (Levemir), and Degludec (Tresiba); provides continuous insulin coverage.

Insulin administration sites

Subcutaneous injections in arms, abdomen, or thighs; rotate sites to improve absorption.

Insulin storage and shelf life

Store at room temperature after opening; typically usable for about $30$ days; refrigerate unopened vials.

Insulin and potassium

IV regular insulin can treat hyperkalemia by driving potassium into cells; monitor potassium levels.

Mixing insulin order

Draw regular insulin first, then NPH; roll cloudy insulin gently to mix; do not shake.

Exercise and glucose

Exercise lowers blood glucose; patients should eat a snack during exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.

Alcohol and glucose

Alcohol can lower blood glucose by inhibiting hepatic glucose production; risk of overnight hypoglycemia.

Illness and glucose (vomiting/diarrhea)

Infection and GI illness can raise glucose levels despite not eating; monitor closely and hydrate; insulin adjustments may be needed.

Rapid-acting insulin examples

Insulin Lispro (Humalog), Insulin Aspart (Novolog), Insulin Glulisine (Apidra).

Rapid-acting insulin onset

Starts working in $~5-15$ minutes.

Rapid-acting insulin peak

Peaking in $~30-90$ minutes.

Rapid-acting insulin duration

Lasts for $~3-5$ hours.

Short-acting (Regular) insulin peak

Peaking in $~2-4$ hours.

Short-acting (Regular) insulin duration

Lasts for $~5-8$ hours.

Intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin peak

Peaking in $~4-12$ hours.

Intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin duration

Lasts for $~12-18$ hours.

Long-acting insulin characteristics (peak)

Minimal to no pronounced peak activity.

Long-acting insulin duration

Provides basal coverage for $~18-24$ hours (Glargine, Detemir) or up to $~42$ hours (Degludec).

Ultra-long-acting insulin example

Insulin Degludec (Tresiba), with a duration of up to $~42$ hours.

Premixed insulin

A combination of intermediate and short/rapid-acting insulins (e.g., $70/30$ NPH/Regular or $75/25$ Lispro protamine/Lispro).

Dawn Phenomenon

Rise in blood glucose in early morning hours (typically $2-8$ AM) due to natural hormonal surges (growth hormone, cortisol).

Somogyi Effect

Rebound hyperglycemia that occurs in response to undetected hypoglycemia, often at night.

Diabetic Foot Care recommendations

Daily foot inspection, proper footwear, avoiding walking barefoot, regular podiatrist visits to prevent complications.

Sick Day Rules (general)

Continue taking insulin/medication, monitor blood glucose frequently, stay hydrated, test for ketones (Type $1$ DM).

When to test for ketones

Recommended for Type $1$ diabetics during illness, stress, or when blood glucose is consistently high ($>250 \text{ mg/dL}$).

A1C target for most non-pregnant adults

Generally less than $7\%$ (individualized based on age, comorbidities, and hypoglycemia risk).

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) for diabetes diagnosis

A plasma glucose level of $\ge 126 \text{ mg/dL}$ on two separate tests.

Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) for diabetes diagnosis

A plasma glucose level of $\ge 200 \text{ mg/dL}$ in a person with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, unexplained weight loss).

Two-hour Postprandial Glucose target

Typically less than $180 \text{ mg/dL}$ for most adults with diabetes.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Devices that provide real-time glucose readings throughout the day and night via a sensor placed under the skin.

Metformin mechanism of action

Reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues; often first-line for Type $2$ diabetes.

Sulfonylureas mechanism of action

Stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, independent of blood glucose levels; can cause hypoglycemia.

Diabetic Neuropathy treatment principles

Strict glycemic control to prevent progression, and symptomatic relief with medications like gabapentin or pregabalin for pain.