Chapter 41
Assessment and Management of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus Definition
- Is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by increased levels of glucose in the
blood (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or
both
- related to:
- An endocrine disorder causes Abnormal insulin production
- Impaired insulin utilization
- Both abnormal production and impaired utilization
- Leading cause of heart disease, stroke, adult blindness, and nontraumatic lower limb
amputations
Diabetes Mellitus Etiology and Pathophysiology
- Produced by the b cells in the islets of Langherans of the pancreas
- Facilitates normal glucose range of 70 to 120 mg/dl
Functions of insulin
- Transports and metabolizes glucose for energy
- Stimulates storage of glucose in the liver and muscle (in the form of glycogen)
- Signals the liver to stop the release of glucose
- Enhances storage of dietary fat in adipose tissue
- Accelerates transport of amino acids (derived from dietary protein) into cells
- Inhibits breakdown of stored glucose, protein, and fat.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Formerly known as ―juvenile onset‖ or ―insulin dependent‖ diabetes
- Most often occurs in people under 30 years of age
- Peak onset between ages 11 and 13