Diabetes Overview: Insulin and Types

Insulin transports glucose for energy and stimulates glycogen storage in liver and muscle. It enhances fat storage and accelerates amino acid transport, and inhibits glucose/protein breakdown of stored fat.

An autoimmune disease where the beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed, resulting in little or no insulin production.

Polyuria (frequent urination), Polydipsia (increased thirst), and Polyphagia (increased hunger) are common symptoms.

A condition where the body's cells are resistant to insulin or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.

Initially managed with diet and exercise, this is a form of diabetes characterized by a gradual onset.

Type 1 diabetes is not inherited but has a genetic predisposition, combined with immunologic and possibly environmental/viral factors.

Factors include family history of diabetes, obesity, older age than 45, and certain ethnicities.

Sudden weight loss, nausea, stomach pain, irritability, skin wounds, vaginal infections, and blurred vision are potential symptoms.

Low blood glucose levels, causing symptoms like tremors, sweating, palpitations, nervousness, and hunger. More severe symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, disorientation, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Treat low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) by giving 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, soda, juice, candies, or sugar/honey; followed with a snack containing protein and starch to prevent a relapse.

A serious complication of diabetes where inadequate insulin causes the abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Features include hyperglycemia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acidosis (a drop in blood pH).

A device that delivers insulin continuously, mimicking the normal release from the pancreas, with flexible mealtimes and exercise.

Insulin doses can be adjusted to match meals; If skipping a meal, insulin dose needs to be decreased.

Insulin pump delivery system mimics the pancreas to control blood sugar levels.

It is recommended to manage diabetes one year before getting an insulin pump.

Hold insulin administration if patient takes rapid-acting insulin and skips a meal.

A serious complication of diabetes where the body produces excess ketones due to a lack of insulin. This leads to acidosis and potentially life-threatening complications.

DKA is caused by insufficient insulin, leading to the breakdown of fat for energy, producing ketones.

Symptoms of DKA include high blood glucose, ketones in the blood, and Kussmaul respirations.

DKA treatment involves rehydration, insulin administration, and monitoring of blood glucose and electrolytes.

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by extremely high blood sugar without significant ketoacidosis.

HHS is caused by a severe lack of insulin, leading to osmotic diuresis and severe dehydration.

HHS symptoms include severe dehydration, high blood glucose, and neurological signs.

HHS treatment primarily involves rehydration and insulin administration.

A blood test that indicates high blood sugar levels, such as an AIC above 6.5, or a random glucose test exceeding 11.1 mmol/L.

A test measuring blood glucose levels after consuming 75g of glucose.

Meeting energy needs, achieving/maintaining a healthy weight, preventing/managing serum lipids, and understanding the glycemic index of foods to manage blood sugar.

Exercise can be a risk for hypoglycemia if ketones are present. Consume 15g of carbs before moderate exercise when ketones levels are not present.

Rapid-acting insulin, onset 5-15 mins; short-acting, onset 30-60 mins; intermediate, onset 24 hours; very long-acting, onset 6 hours.

4.0 mmol/L to 7.0 mmol/L

A measure of how much a food raises blood glucose levels.

If ketones are present in the blood, do NOT exercise. Eat 15g of carbs before moderate exercise if ketones are not present.