Diabetes Review Questions

The pancreas serves two functions: as an endocrine gland, producing hormones like insulin and glucagon, and as an exocrine gland, producing digestive enzymes.

Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells within the pancreas responsible for producing hormones like insulin and glucagon.

The adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and pancreas all contribute to regulating blood glucose levels. The adrenal glands release cortisol, the thyroid gland releases thyroid hormone, and the pancreas releases insulin and glucagon.

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how the body processes glucose. It results from either inadequate insulin production or resistance to insulin's action. This leads to high blood sugar levels and, over time, can cause organ damage.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas, leading to the body's inability to produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, preventing proper glucose uptake by cells. Over time, the pancreas may also lose its ability to produce enough insulin.

Factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes include age, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, and chronic inflammation.

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that can affect the body's ability to process glucose. It typically resolves after childbirth, but increases the risk of future diabetes for both the mother and the child.

Chronic inflammation is a long-term inflammatory process that can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. It can damage cells and tissues, making it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, often due to the body's inability to use insulin effectively. A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher is considered a diagnostic criterion for diabetes.

An A1C level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Monitoring of a patient with this condition is crucial to prevent the progression to diabetes.

Metformin, a biguanide drug, is a commonly used oral medication for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing the liver's production of glucose and enhancing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin.

Exercise is generally beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes, but it's extremely important to monitor blood glucose levels closely, especially before, during, and after exercise. If a patient with type 1 diabetes has a blood glucose level of 310 mg/dL, along with symptoms like shortness of breath and nausea, it's crucial to delay exercise and assess for ketoacidosis.