RELATED TOPIC:
Nursing Knowledge
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of glucose metabolism where the production and/or utilization of insulin is impaired and the liver and muscles are unable to properly utilize glucose. As a consequence, hyperglycemia develops, which requires treatment to control. Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting multiple organ systems.
The main two types of diabetes mellitus are type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other types are gestational diabetes (occuring during pregnancy), monogenic diabetes (caused by genetic mutations), and secondary diabetes (caused by other medical conditions).
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreatic beta cells are no longer able to produce insulin. Only 5%–10% of clients affected by diabetes have type 1. The onset is abrupt, typically at teenage age. In this condition, insulin production is absent or minimal. Often, islet cells antibodies are present at diagnosis.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces less insulin over time. 90%–95% of diabetes patients are affected by this type. The onset is gradual, most commonly diagnosed in adulthood. In this condition, insulin is initially produced; insulin resistance develops over time, and insulin production gradually decreases.
It is important to differentiate the types of diabetes mellitus from diabetes insipidus. In this condition, the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine.
While type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused by genetic and environmental factors (physical inactivity, obesity), type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune condition, caused by virus or toxins.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
The following lab tests can confirm the diagnosis of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is treated via insulin administration and glucose monitoring. In type 2, oral antidiabetic medications can be used, but insulin administration may eventually be required. Glucose monitoring and lifestyle changes are the other measures of treatment of type 2.
Watch out for these signs in your diabetes patients, type 1 as well as type 2:
RELATED TOPIC:
Free Download
Master the topic with a unique study combination of a concise summary paired with video lectures.
USMLE™ is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). MCAT is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN®, and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN®). None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Lecturio.
Your free account gives you access to:
or
