Care of Patients With Diabetes and Hypoglycemia

Vocabulary flashcards covering the etiology, diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and acute/chronic complications of diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic hypoglycemia from Chapter 37.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes secondary to a malfunction of the beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A condition characterized by insulin resistance in which insulin interaction with glucose becomes less efficient, resulting in abnormal glucose metabolism.

Gestational Diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs as a result of the physiological stress of pregnancy.

Beta Cells

Specialized cells located in the pancreas that are responsible for manufacturing insulin.

Polydipsia

A clinical symptom characterized by excessive or extreme thirst.

Polyuria

A clinical symptom characterized by frequent or increased urination.

Polyphagia

A clinical symptom characterized by extreme hunger.

Goal of Insulin Therapy

To closely mimic the body's natural baseline (basal) insulin production.

Islet Cell Transplantation

A surgical procedure requiring two to four donor pancreases, where about a third of recipients develop antibodies and lifetime immunosuppressive medications are required.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious acute condition caused by the incomplete metabolism of fats resulting from an absence or insufficient supply of insulin.

Ketones

Potent organic acids produced as by-products of fat metabolism when the body breaks down protein and fat for energy due to an inadequate insulin supply.

Kussmaul Respirations

Deep and rapid breathing performed by the body in an attempt to rid itself of the acidosis produced by ketones during DKA.

Urine Testing for Acetone

A self-care monitoring practice performed when blood glucose levels exceed $240\,\text{mg/dL}$ to check for the presence of ketones.

Somogyi Effect

A short-term metabolic complication of diabetes characterized by rebound hyperglycemia.

Dawn Phenomenon

A short-term complication of diabetes marked by an early morning increase in blood glucose levels.

Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia Dietary Treatment

A nutritional approach involving smaller, more frequent meals that are high in proteins, low in carbohydrates, free of simple sugars, and without refined sugar or white flour.