Diabetes Mellitus and Reproductive Health Overview

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune beta cell destruction, leading to absolute insulin deficiency.

Type 2 Diabetes

Progressive loss of beta cell insulin secretion commonly due to cellular insulin resistance.

Gestational Mellitus (GDM)

Usually found in the second or third trimester of pregnancies.

Other causes of diabetes

Obesity, Monogenic diabetes syndrome, diseases of exocrine pancreas, drug or chemical induced diabetes.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst.

Polyuria

Increased urination.

Polyphagia

Increased appetite.

Fasting plasma glucose level

The standard lab test for diagnosing diabetes.

A1C

A test to track glucose control; normal glucose levels are 100-125 mg/dL.

Diagnostic criteria for DM

A1C of 6.5% or greater or a random glucose of 200 mg/dL or greater.

Hypoglycemia

A life-threatening medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.

DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)

A condition requiring IV insulin until blood glucose diminishes to lower than 250 mg/dL.

Kussmaul's respiration

Rapid, deep respirations exhibited by the patient in DKA.

Metformin

The common medication to treat diabetes for Type 2 diabetics.

Cerebrovascular disease

A condition affecting cerebral arteries, common to strokes.

Retinopathy

Retinal hemorrhages, common to blindness.

Nephropathy

Renal failure.

Autonomic neuropathy

Nervous system dysfunction, bladder/bowel dysfunction.

Peripheral arterial disease

Poor wound healing, poor circulation, poor sensation, atherosclerosis of arteries in lower extremities.

Peripheral neuropathy

Burning, loss of sensation in distal extremities, motor weakness in feet.

Glycemic Index

Measures how a carbohydrate-containing food raises the blood glucose.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstrual periods.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

A hormonal imbalance that affects all organ systems and is the leading cause of infertility.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Causes cervical cancer and is common in sexually active females.

Vaginitis

Inflammation of the vagina characterized by discharge, burning, itching, redness, and edema of vaginal tissue.

Fibrocystic Breast Disorder

The most common disorder of the breast, present in up to 50% of females older than 30.

Priapism

An abnormally prolonged erection of the penis in the absence of stimulation.

Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to obtain or maintain sexual stimulation, associated with other vascular diseases.

Testicular Torsion

An acute, painful disorder where the spermatic cord twists and cuts off circulation to the testicle.

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Infections transmitted between humans by means of sexual behavior.

Syphilis

An infectious disease caused by the bacterial organism Treponema pallidum, with 4 stages: Primary, Secondary, Latent, Late (tertiary).