Pathways
Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) bind to this receptor, leading to inflammation and vascular damage.
RAGE
Tingling and numbness in the feet of a diabetic patient most likely represents this complication
The first-line pharmacologic therapy for type 2 diabetes (unless contraindicated)
metformin
The ADA’s recommended A1C target for most patients with diabetes
<7.0%
The prognosis of diabetes primarily depends on control of this lab value
blood glucose (A1C)
VEGF overexpression in the retina promotes this pathological process leading to blindness.
Neovascularization
The most common cause of nontraumatic lower limb amputation in the U.S. is this complication of diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy (w/ peripheral vascular disease)
The only pharmacologic treatment for type 1 diabetes
insulin
Pre-prandial plasma glucose target range (mg/dL)
80–130 mg/dL
One of the leading causes of death in diabetics is this macrovascular complication
Myocardial Infarction
Activation of this transcription factor by ROS promotes apoptosis and ischemia in diabetic neuropathy.
NFkB
Erectile dysfunction in diabetes is primarily due to a decrease in this vasodilator molecule.
Nitric oxide (NO)
Patients with diabetes should aim for this amount of moderate physical activity per week
150 minutes
Post-prandial peak glucose should be less than this value (mg/dL)
<180 mg/dL
This organ’s failure is a major cause of mortality in diabetes and often follows chronic nephropathy
end-stage renal failure
Increased activity of this kinase contributes to ischemia in diabetic complications
Protein kinase C (PKC)
Early diabetic nephropathy is characterized by this lab finding
Microalbuminuria (30–299 mg/g uACR)
This complication should be checked for daily at home and at every doctor visit.
diabetic foot disease (sores, ulcers, neuropathy)
Albumin:creatinine ratio cutoff for “macroalbuminuria.”
>300 mg/g
This common risk factor increases the chance of macrovascular complications like atherosclerosis
obesity (with DLD, hypertension, etc.)
This metabolic pathway converts excess glucose into sorbitol, contributing to oxidative stress in neurons
Polyol pathway
Name the triad of leading microvascular complications of diabetes
retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy
Name three elements of comprehensive annual diabetes care screening
kidney tests, dilated eye exam, lipid panel (plus: flu shot, hearing, foot exam, dental, BP/weight)
Name two lab values strongly associated with highest 5–10 year mortality risk in diabetes
serum creatinine
albumin:creatinine ratio
Name two comorbidities that increase 5- and 10-year mortality risk in diabetics.
CHF, metastatic cancer, end-stage liver disease