Lecture on Diabetes

Definition of Diabetes

• Sustained Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood glucose levels not due to medications or other disease processes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Three P's:
  • Polyphagia: Excessive eating
  • Polyuria: Excessive urination
  • Polydipsia: Excessive thirst
• Other Symptoms:
  • Dehydration
  • Weight loss
  • Glucosuria (glucose in urine)

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

• Causes:
  • Autoimmune
  • Hereditary
  • Viral (e.g., congenital rubella syndrome)
• Mechanism: Inability to produce insulin
• Complications:
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
    • High glucose levels
    • Production of ketones due to lipolysis

Type 2 Diabetes

• Causes:
  • Heredity
  • Obesity
  • Pancreatitis
• Mechanism:
  • Insufficient insulin production
  • Insulin resistance
• Characteristics: Less prone to DKA

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

• Pathophysiology:
  • Lack of insulin leading to hyperglycemia
  • Lipolysis causing ketone production and metabolic acidosis
• Symptoms:
  • Fruity breath
  • Kussmaul’s respirations
  • Severe thirst and dehydration
  • Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels)

Hyperglycemia

• Definition: Blood glucose > 100 mg/dL (normal range is 70-100 mg/dL)
• Symptoms:
  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in extremities
  • Slow healing of cuts and bruises

Hypoglycemia

• Definition: Blood glucose < 70 mg/dL
• Symptoms:
  • Shakiness
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Hunger
  • Sweating
  • Confusion
• Treatment:
  • Immediate intervention required
  • Use cranberry juice, followed by complex carbohydrates and protein
  • Avoid orange juice due to high potassium content
  • Cake Mate can be used under the tongue
• Important Notes:
  • Only give oral substances if the patient is conscious and alert
  • Unconscious patients require IV glucose or dextrose

Key Takeaways

• Monitor potassium levels closely, especially when treating DKA or hypoglycemia.
• Be cautious with treatment choices to avoid overcorrecting blood sugar levels.