Hormone and Glucose Regulation - Part III

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to hormone and glucose regulation, diabetes, and nursing management.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates the liver to increase blood glucose levels by converting glycogen to glucose.

Type 1 Diabetes

A form of diabetes characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to insufficient insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

A form of diabetes resulting from insulin resistance and often accompanied by defective insulin secretion.

Hypoglycemia

A condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels, typically less than 70 mg/dL, with symptoms such as shakiness and palpitations.

A1c Test

A blood test that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months, with a level greater than 6.5% indicating diabetes.

Pancreatic Islets

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that contain alpha cells (which produce glucagon) and beta cells (which produce insulin).

Feedback Loop

A biological mechanism in which a change in a physiological variable triggers responses that counteract the change, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Carbohydrate Counting

A dietary management technique used by diabetics to track the amount of carbohydrates consumed at each meal to help manage blood glucose levels.

Pharmacological Therapy

Treatment involving medications to improve the body's mechanisms for insulin and glucose production and use, particularly in the management of diabetes.