Etiology & Pathophysiology of Diabetes
This hormone, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, promotes glucose transport into cells and maintains normal blood glucose levels.
What is insulin?
This A1C value is diagnostic for diabetes.
What is 6.5% or higher?
This macronutrient should make up the majority of calories for diabetic patients: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and low‑fat dairy.
What are carbohydrates?
Shakiness, palpitations, diaphoresis, and anxiety are early signs of this condition.
What is hypoglycemia?
This self‑management skill is essential for all insulin‑dependent patients.
What is self‑monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)?
This type of diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency.
What is type 1 diabetes?
This classic symptom of hyperglycemia results from osmotic diuresis.
What is polyuria?
This type of exercise is recommended for at least 150 minutes per week.
What is aerobic exercise?
This is the first step in treating hypoglycemia in a conscious patient.
What is give 15 g of simple carbohydrates (Rule of 15)?
This IV fluid is used initially in DKA to restore intravascular volume.
What is 0.9% normal saline?
This metabolic defect in type 2 diabetes describes the body’s inability to use insulin effectively.
What is insulin resistance?
This lab value must be monitored closely when starting IV insulin for DKA because insulin drives it into cells.
What is potassium?
Alcohol increases the risk of this acute complication because it inhibits gluconeogenesis.
What is hypoglycemia?
This condition is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, acidosis, and dehydration.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
This complication must be prevented when glucose levels fall to 250 mg/dL during DKA treatment.
What is hypoglycemia (add dextrose to IV fluids)?
Counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone do this to blood glucose levels.
What is increase blood glucose?
This is the priority nursing action for a diabetic patient undergoing surgery or acute illness.
What is monitor blood glucose more frequently?
This dietary recommendation helps type 2 diabetics achieve glucose, lipid, and blood pressure goals.
What is weight loss through balanced nutrition and exercise?
This complication occurs mostly in type 2 diabetes, with glucose >600 mg/dL, severe dehydration, and no ketones.
What is hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS)?
This is a key nursing teaching point for preventing foot complications in diabetic patients.
What is daily foot inspection and proper footwear?
A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and sudden weight loss. Labs show hyperglycemia and ketones. What does the nurse suspect is occurring?
What is new‑onset type 1 diabetes with insulin deficiency?
Your unconscious diabetic patient is NPO for surgery. The provider orders IV fluids and insulin. What is the rationale?
What is preventing hyperglycemia from stress hormones and maintaining glycemic control?
A patient plans to exercise after lunch. Their glucose is 95 mg/dL. What should they do first?
What is eat a carbohydrate snack to prevent hypoglycemia?
A patient with type 1 diabetes has Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, abdominal pain, and a glucose of 420 mg/dL. What is the priority intervention?
What is initiate IV fluids and then IV regular insulin?
A patient with HHS is severely dehydrated, confused, and has a serum osmolality >320. What is the most important collaborative intervention?
What is aggressive fluid replacement with close hemodynamic monitoring?