Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes
This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system fails to recognize normal cells as "self" and destroys insulin-secreting beta cells.
What is Type 1 diabetes?
To officially confirm a medical diagnosis of diabetes, a healthcare provider requires the results of two of three possible tests performed on this timeline.
What is on two different days?
Triggered by a rapid decline in blood glucose, these neurogenic symptoms are summarized by the nursing phrase "cold and clammy, need some candy".
What are autonomic (or adrenergic/cholinergic) symptoms?
This specific subcategory of microvascular nerve damage can manifest as gastroparesis, urinary retention, impotence, and orthostatic hypotension.
What is autonomic neuropathy?
This highly safe and effective biguanide is frequently prescribed for prediabetes but is not recommended for individuals over 80 years of age.
What is metformin (or Glucophage)?
This progressive disorder initially manifests as cellular resistance to insulin, particularly within the muscles, liver, and fat.
What is Type 2 diabetes
This diagnostic test is sometimes utilized to check glucose management in children and younger adults but is rarely used among older populations.
What is the glucose tolerance test (GTT)?
In older adults, early warning signs of extreme blood sugar fluctuations are often subtle, absent, or mistaken for this cognitive condition.
What is worsening dementia?
These three non-cardiac conditions represent common signs of diabetic end-organ damage specifically involving the eyes, nerves, and gums.
What are decreased visual acuity, neuropathy (or paresthesia), and periodontal disease?
To properly prevent skin cracking, patients should apply moisturizer to their feet daily but must strictly avoid putting it in this location.
What is between the toes?
As Type 2 diabetes advances, pancreatic beta cells can experience this phenomenon, rendering them unable to produce enough insulin to meet bodily needs.
What is burning out?
Under diabetic "Sick-Day Rules," a patient is instructed to test their urine for ketones whenever their blood glucose level climbs past this number.
What is 240 mg/dL?
These are the three classic signs of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, representing excessive urination, excessive thirst, and excessive eating.
What are polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia?
Changes in large blood vessels lead to this specific category of complications, which includes coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
What are macrovascular complications?
This class of antidiabetic drugs has been used the longest but is listed on the Beers' List as inappropriate for older adults due to its severe risk of causing hypoglycemia.
What are sulfonylureas?
This is the typical age of onset for Type 1 diabetes, occurring most often in children or adolescents.
What is younger than 30 years of age?
This specific lab test monitors the effects of diabetic treatment by indicating a patient's average plasma glucose level over the previous 90 days.
What is Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c)?
Neuroglycopenic symptoms like difficulty thinking, behavior changes, and emotional instability occur when this organ's supply of glucose gradually declines.
What is the brain?
This specific microvascular complication refers to the nerve dysfunction and sensory loss caused by thickened basement membranes and chronic hypoxia in small blood vessels.
What is neuropathy?
According to the standard rule of home management for mild hypoglycemia, a conscious patient with a blood glucose level under 70 mg/dL should immediately consume this exact amount of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates.
What is 15 grams?
These two modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to the development of insulin resistance in genetically susceptible adults.
What are obesity (or overweight) and physical inactivity?
In a patient exhibiting classic hyperglycemic symptoms, diabetes is officially diagnosed when a random blood glucose measurement reaches or exceeds this threshold.
What is 200 mg/dL?
Associated with the phrase "hot and dry, sugar’s high," this clinical state can cause fruity breath, rapid deep Kussmaul breathing, and poor skin turgor.
What is hyperglycemia?
Rather than typical urinary frequency, older adults with high levels of glucose in their urine may experience this atypical clinical cue instead.
What is incontinence?
To avoid cutting the skin or causing ingrown borders, diabetic patients are taught to trim their toenails in this exact manner.
What is straight across