Diabetes and Hypoglycemia Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing concepts, pathophysiology, and clinical terminology related to diabetes mellitus, insulin, hypoglycemia, DKA, and HHNS.

Endocrine Function of the Pancreas

The function of the pancreas that secretes hormones, including insulin from Beta cells and glucagon from Alpha cells, directly into the blood.

Exocrine Function of the Pancreas

The function of the pancreas that uses ducts to transport digestive enzymes into the intestine.

Endogenous Insulin

Insulin that is produced naturally within the body's own tissues.

Exogenous Insulin

Insulin that originates from an external source outside the body.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst caused by an increase in serum osmolarity, which stimulates the thirst center in the brain.

Polyuria

Excessive urination caused by high serum osmolarity retaining fluid in the bloodstream, leading to glucose and electrolyte elimination through the kidneys.

Polyphagia

Excessive hunger triggered when glucose cannot enter cells, causing the breakdown of fat and tissue for fuel, which sends hunger signals to the hypothalamus.

Type 1 Diabetes

A condition characterized by an absolute absence of endogenous insulin due to an autoimmune destruction of beta cells, formerly called juvenile-onset diabetes.

Islet Cell Antibodies (ICAs)

Antibodies produced during the autoimmune process in Type 1 diabetes that contribute to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition characterized by inadequate endogenous insulin and the body's inability to properly use insulin, leading to beta cell desensitization and persistent hyperglycemia.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

A form of diabetes occurring during pregnancy when the mother's pancreas cannot produce enough extra insulin to compensate for insulin-blocking hormones.

Human Placenta Lactogen (HPL)

A hormone produced by the placenta around the $5\text{th}$ to $6\text{th}$ week of pregnancy that directly blocks insulin effects to redirect nutrients to the baby.

Acute Hypoglycemia

A dangerous drop in blood glucose to less than $70\text{ mg/dL}$, causing adrenergic responses (sweating, tachycardia, shaking) and neurogenic effects from brain glucose shortage.

Hypoglycemic Unawareness

A state in which an individual experiences hypoglycemia without displaying any of the typical signs and symptoms.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A life-threatening medical emergency caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin.

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

A metabolic state marked by extremely high blood glucose levels exceeding $600\text{ mg/dL}$, causing osmotic diuresis, severe dehydration, hypernatremia, and potential coma.