Endocrine Disorders and Diabetes Management

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to endocrine disorders and diabetes management, including medications, symptoms, and patient care principles.

Antithyroid medication

Medications used to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones in conditions like hyperthyroidism.

Hemoglobin A1c

A measure of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, used to monitor diabetes control.

Exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyes, often associated with hyperthyroidism.

Levothyroxine

A synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), used to treat hypothyroidism.

Chvostek’s sign

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia; twitching of the facial muscles in response to tapping the facial nerve.

Hyperglycemia

An excessive amount of glucose in the blood, commonly seen in poorly controlled diabetes.

Bacterial growth

An increase in bacteria, which can occur in conditions like chronic hyperglycemia.

Hypocalcemia

A condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle spasms and seizures.

Insulin pump

A device used to deliver continuous insulin to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Diabetic foot care

Daily practices to monitor foot health, crucial for preventing complications in diabetic patients.

Kidney stones

Solid masses formed from crystals that separate from urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidneys.

Aldosterone

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates sodium and potassium levels, influencing blood pressure.

Caffeine

A stimulant that can exacerbate symptoms in hyperthyroidism patients.

Medication adherence

Following the prescribed medication regimen consistently to achieve desired health outcomes.

Weight gain

An increase in body mass, often monitored in patients with hypothyroidism.

Fluid imbalance

A condition where the body has an improper balance of fluids, often leading to dehydration or overload.

Therapeutic lifestyle changes

Modifications in daily habits aimed at improving health, particularly regarding diet and physical activity.

Thyroidectomy

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, often performed to treat thyroid disorders.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by high blood glucose levels and ketone buildup.

Blood glucose levels

Measurements of the amount of glucose present in the blood, critical for diabetes management.