Carbohydrate Metabolism & Disease

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to carbohydrate metabolism and its implications in diabetes management.

Glucose Control

The physiological process by which the body maintains blood glucose levels within a narrow range.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of diseases that result in high blood sugar (too much glucose in the blood) due to insulin issues.

Insulin Resistance

A condition in which cells in the body become less responsive to the hormone insulin, resulting in higher blood glucose levels.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions—high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels—that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious diabetes complication where the body produces excess blood acids (ketones) due to insufficient insulin.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic Syndrome (HHS)

A condition that can occur in people with type 2 diabetes characterized by significantly high blood sugar levels, severe dehydration and confusion.

HbA1c

A measure of average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months, commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

Incretin Hormones

Hormones that help to regulate insulin secretion and lower blood sugar levels in response to food intake.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen to glucose, primarily in the liver and muscle cells.

Gluconeogenesis

The process by which the liver produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol.

Insulin Secretagogues

Substances that stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)

An autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

A chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes glucose, often associated with obesity and insulin resistance.

Microalbuminuria

The presence of a small amount of albumin in the urine, an early sign of kidney damage in diabetes.

Acute Complications of Diabetes

Short-term complications of diabetes that can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome, and hypoglycemia.

Long-term Complications of Diabetes

Chronic complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy that can develop over time in patients with poorly controlled blood glucose levels.