Diabetes Mellitus Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Diabetes Mellitus, its pathophysiology, types, management, and complications.

Diabetes Mellitus

A chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose uptake by cells.

Glucagon

A hormone released by alpha cells in the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of cells in the pancreas responsible for hormone production.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

An autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A condition characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery.

Glycogen

The stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles.

Hyperglycemia

A condition where blood glucose levels exceed 10 mmol/l.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A complication of diabetes characterized by insufficient insulin, leading to high blood glucose and ketone production.

Osmotic diuresis

Increased urination caused by elevated glucose levels in the urine.

Polyuria

Frequent urination, often a symptom of diabetes.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst, commonly associated with diabetes mellitus.

Polypagia

Excessive hunger that may occur in diabetes due to energy starvation.

Somatostatin

A hormone that inhibits the secretion of glucagon and insulin.

Glycogenolysis

The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose.

Glycogenesis

The synthesis of glycogen from glucose.

Gluconeogenesis

The generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Beta Cells

Insulin-producing cells in the islets of Langerhans.

Alpha Cells

Glucagon-producing cells in the islets of Langerhans.

Metabolic acidosis

A condition characterized by decreased blood pH due to excess acids or insufficient bicarbonate.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a common complication of diabetes.

Peripheral neuropathy

Nerve damage that causes weakness, numbness, or pain in the extremities.

Retinopathy

Damage to the retina caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels.

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on artery walls, often accelerated in diabetes.

Fructose

A simple sugar that is a component of many carbohydrates.

Galactose

A simple sugar that is part of lactose found in milk.

NaHCO3

Sodium bicarbonate; a compound secreted by duct cells of the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid.

Cardiovascular disease

Heart-related complications often associated with diabetes.

Renal disease

Kidney-related complications often linked to diabetes.

Acidosis

A condition in which there is an excess of acid in the body.

Dehydration

A condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, often seen in diabetic patients.

IV access

Intravenous access, a method used to deliver fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream.

Nutritional management

The regulation of diet to help manage blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Exercise

Physical activity that can increase glucose metabolism and aid in diabetes management.

Sulfonylureas

A class of medications that stimulate insulin release from the beta cells of the pancreas.

Dextrose

A form of glucose used for medical treatment, particularly for hypoglycemia.

Complications of diabetes

Long-term effects of uncontrolled diabetes, including retinopathy and nephropathy.

Insulin pump

A medical device used to deliver insulin continuously through a subcutaneous catheter.

Autonomic neuropathy

A type of nerve damage that affects the autonomic nervous system and can lead to issues such as gastroparesis.

Hypoglycemia

A condition where blood sugar falls below 4.0 mmol/l.

Insulin Shock

A severe form of hypoglycemia that can result in confusion or unconsciousness.

Epidemiology of diabetes

The study of the distribution and determinants of diabetes in populations.

PKU

Phenylketonuria; a rare inherited disorder that can cause hypoglycemia due to a metabolic defect.

BMI

Body Mass Index; used to assess body fat and obesity which can impact diabetes.

Dawn Phenomenon

A natural increase in blood sugar that occurs in the early morning.

Insulin resistance

A condition where cells in the body do not respond effectively to insulin.

Microvascular complications

Small vessel complications of diabetes affecting areas such as the eyes and kidneys.

Macrovascular complications

Large vessel complications of diabetes that can affect the heart and circulation.