DKA and stuff

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

A severe and life-threatening complication of diabetes.

Characteristics of DKA

Uncontrolled hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and increased production of ketones.

Typical occurrence of DKA

Occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes when insulin levels are insufficient.

Body's response without insulin

Begins breaking down fat, producing ketones as a by-product.

Effect of ketone accumulation

Causes the blood to become acidic.

Symptoms of DKA

Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, dehydration, abdominal pain, vomiting, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, and Kussmaul respirations.

Treatment for DKA

Administration of intravenous fluids, insulin therapy, and correction of electrolyte imbalances.

Effective diabetes management

Requires maintaining a consistent daily routine involving diet, exercise, medications, and blood glucose monitoring.

Nutrition therapy focus for diabetes

Maintaining stable blood glucose levels through consistent carbohydrate intake.

Carbohydrate counting

A meal planning strategy used to manage carbohydrate intake.

One carbohydrate serving equals

Approximately fifteen grams of carbohydrates.

Typical carbohydrate content in most meals

Approximately forty-five to sixty grams of carbohydrates.

Importance of exercise in diabetes management

Increases insulin sensitivity, lowers blood glucose levels, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise and hypoglycemia risk

Exercise can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia risk during exercise

Particularly if the patient is using insulin or medications that increase insulin secretion.

Blood glucose monitoring during exercise

Patients should monitor their blood glucose levels before, during, and after exercise.

Carbohydrate snack before exercise

Patients may need to consume a carbohydrate snack before physical activity.

Purpose of blood glucose monitoring

Allows individuals with diabetes to track fluctuations in blood sugar throughout the day.

Monitoring times for blood glucose

Some patients monitor blood glucose before meals and at bedtime.

Proper technique for blood glucose monitoring

Includes washing hands, using the side of the finger pad for blood, and recording the results.

Continuous glucose monitoring systems

Available for monitoring blood glucose levels.

Insulin therapy requirement

Required for all individuals with type 1 diabetes and may be necessary for some individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Insulin

A protein hormone that cannot be taken orally because it is destroyed by digestive enzymes.

Administration of insulin

Typically administered through subcutaneous injection.

Common injection sites for insulin

Include the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.

Preferred injection site for SubQ

The abdomen, as insulin is absorbed more rapidly from this area.

Injection site rotation

Should be rotated within the same area to maintain consistent absorption and prevent tissue damage.

Classification of insulin types

Based on their onset, peak, and duration of action.

Rapid-acting insulin characteristics

Begins working within 15 minutes, peaks within 1 to 3 hours, and lasts about 3 to 5 hours.

Short-acting insulin characteristics

Begins working within about 30 minutes and lasts approximately 8 hours.

Intermediate-acting insulin characteristics

Begins working within 1 to 2 hours, peaks around 6 hours, and can last up to 24 hours.

Long-acting insulin characteristics

Begins working within 3 to 4 hours and provides steady insulin levels for about 24 hours without a pronounced peak.

Oral medications for diabetes

Several are used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Biguanides (e.g., metformin) action

Reduce glucose production in the liver, decrease glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and improve insulin sensitivity.

Sulfonylureas action

Increase insulin production from the pancreas but may cause hypoglycemia.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors action

Slow carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the intestines.

DPP-4 inhibitors action

Increase insulin release and decrease glucagon secretion.

GLP-1 agonists action

Mimic natural gut hormones to stimulate insulin production and reduce appetite.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors action

Promote glucose excretion through urine by reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys.