Diabetes Mellitus Flashcards Chapter 26

Diabetes Mellitus Overview

• Metabolic disorder featuring elevated blood glucose levels and disordered insulin metabolism.
• Affects approximately 11.3% of U.S. adults aged 20 and older, equating to about 26 million people.
• Ranked as the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Hyperglycemia: Condition marked by elevated blood glucose concentrations.
• Glycosuria: Presence of glucose in urine, leading to increased urination due to osmotic effects.
• Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus: Include polyuria, dehydration, dry mouth, polydipsia, weight loss, increased appetite, blurred vision, fatigue, and frequent infections.

Diagnosis Criteria

• Diagnosis using plasma glucose levels:
  • 200 mg/dL or higher post-glucose load.
  • 126 mg/dL or higher after fasting for at least 8 hours.
  • HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
• Prediabetes: Blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL when fasting.

Types of Diabetes

• Gestational Diabetes: Abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy.

• Type 1 Diabetes:

  • Characterized by absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
  • Develops mainly during childhood or adolescence.
  • Symptoms include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, weakness, and fatigue.
  • Ketoacidosis can be an initial sign.

• Type 2 Diabetes:

  • Involves insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production.
  • The most prevalent type, accounting for 90-95% of diabetes cases.

Risk Factors and Population Prevalence

• Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors: Include obesity, aging, and lack of physical activity.
• Ethnic groups at higher risk: African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.