Diabetes
Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Exam Study Guide
**1. Diabetes Mellitus Overview:
Definition:
o Diabetes Mellitus (DM): A group of metabolic
disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting
from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or
both.
Types:
o Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of
pancreatic beta cells leading to little or no insulin
production. Typically diagnosed in children and young
adults.
o Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance and relative
insulin deficiency. Commonly develops in adults,
often associated with obesity and lifestyle factors.
o Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes occurring during
pregnancy; increases risk of developing type 2
diabetes later in life.
o Other Specific Types: Includes monogenic diabetes
and diabetes secondary to other conditions.
**2. Pathophysiology:
Type 1 Diabetes:
o Autoimmune Destruction: Destruction of beta cells in
the pancreas leading to insulin deficiency.
, o Hyperglycemia: Without insulin, glucose cannot enter
cells and accumulates in the bloodstream.
Type 2 Diabetes:
o Insulin Resistance: Cells become less responsive to
insulin, requiring more insulin to manage blood
glucose.
o Beta-Cell Dysfunction: Progressive loss of insulin
secretion capability.
**3. Clinical Manifestations:
Common Symptoms:
o Polydipsia: Excessive thirst.
o Polyuria: Frequent urination.
o Polyphagia: Excessive hunger.
o Unexplained Weight Loss: Common in Type 1
diabetes.
o Fatigue and Weakness: Common in both types.
o Blurred Vision: Due to fluid shifts and glucose-
induced lens changes.
**4. Diagnostic Criteria:
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): ≥ 126 mg/dL.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): 2-hour plasma
glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): ≥ 6.5%.
Random Plasma Glucose: ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms of
diabetes.
**5. Management:
, Type 1 Diabetes:
o Insulin Therapy: Essential for glucose control.
o Blood Glucose Monitoring: Regular checks to adjust
insulin doses.
o Diet and Exercise: Balanced diet and regular physical
activity to complement insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes:
o Lifestyle Modifications: Diet, exercise, and weight
loss.
o Oral Medications: Metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2
inhibitors, etc.
o Insulin Therapy: May be required if oral medications
are insufficient.
Gestational Diabetes:
o Diet and Exercise: First-line management.
o Insulin Therapy: If glycemic control is not achieved
through lifestyle changes.
**6. Complications:
Acute Complications:
o Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose; symptoms include
shakiness, sweating, confusion, and loss of
consciousness.
o Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS): Severe
hyperglycemia without significant ketoacidosis;
characterized by high blood glucose and dehydration.
Chronic Complications:
o Microvascular: Retinopathy, nephropathy,
neuropathy.
Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Exam Study Guide
**1. Diabetes Mellitus Overview:
Definition:
o Diabetes Mellitus (DM): A group of metabolic
disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting
from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or
both.
Types:
o Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of
pancreatic beta cells leading to little or no insulin
production. Typically diagnosed in children and young
adults.
o Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance and relative
insulin deficiency. Commonly develops in adults,
often associated with obesity and lifestyle factors.
o Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes occurring during
pregnancy; increases risk of developing type 2
diabetes later in life.
o Other Specific Types: Includes monogenic diabetes
and diabetes secondary to other conditions.
**2. Pathophysiology:
Type 1 Diabetes:
o Autoimmune Destruction: Destruction of beta cells in
the pancreas leading to insulin deficiency.
, o Hyperglycemia: Without insulin, glucose cannot enter
cells and accumulates in the bloodstream.
Type 2 Diabetes:
o Insulin Resistance: Cells become less responsive to
insulin, requiring more insulin to manage blood
glucose.
o Beta-Cell Dysfunction: Progressive loss of insulin
secretion capability.
**3. Clinical Manifestations:
Common Symptoms:
o Polydipsia: Excessive thirst.
o Polyuria: Frequent urination.
o Polyphagia: Excessive hunger.
o Unexplained Weight Loss: Common in Type 1
diabetes.
o Fatigue and Weakness: Common in both types.
o Blurred Vision: Due to fluid shifts and glucose-
induced lens changes.
**4. Diagnostic Criteria:
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): ≥ 126 mg/dL.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): 2-hour plasma
glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): ≥ 6.5%.
Random Plasma Glucose: ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms of
diabetes.
**5. Management:
, Type 1 Diabetes:
o Insulin Therapy: Essential for glucose control.
o Blood Glucose Monitoring: Regular checks to adjust
insulin doses.
o Diet and Exercise: Balanced diet and regular physical
activity to complement insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes:
o Lifestyle Modifications: Diet, exercise, and weight
loss.
o Oral Medications: Metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2
inhibitors, etc.
o Insulin Therapy: May be required if oral medications
are insufficient.
Gestational Diabetes:
o Diet and Exercise: First-line management.
o Insulin Therapy: If glycemic control is not achieved
through lifestyle changes.
**6. Complications:
Acute Complications:
o Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose; symptoms include
shakiness, sweating, confusion, and loss of
consciousness.
o Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS): Severe
hyperglycemia without significant ketoacidosis;
characterized by high blood glucose and dehydration.
Chronic Complications:
o Microvascular: Retinopathy, nephropathy,
neuropathy.
