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Diabetes Mellitus: Diagnosis and Acute Complications

DM diagnostic criteria, DKA vs HHS, hypoglycemia, and first-line treatment principles.

12 cards· by GuruOwl

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  1. 01
    ADA diagnostic thresholds for diabetes (any one of)?
    Fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL; 2-h OGTT ≥200; random glucose ≥200 with classic symptoms; HbA1c ≥6.5% (confirm if asymptomatic).
    diagnosis
  2. 02
    Key pathophys difference: type 1 vs type 2 diabetes?
    T1DM: autoimmune β-cell destruction → absolute insulin deficiency. T2DM: insulin resistance + progressive β-cell dysfunction.
    types
  3. 03
    First-line pharmacologic therapy for most type 2 diabetes?
    Metformin (if tolerated/not contraindicated), plus lifestyle measures; add agents based on comorbidities (CVD, CKD, HF, weight).
    treatment
  4. 04
    Classic labs/features of DKA?
    Hyperglycemia, high anion-gap metabolic acidosis, ketonemia/ketonuria; often younger T1DM; abdominal pain, Kussmaul breathing.
    dka
  5. 05
    Classic features of HHS vs DKA?
    HHS: extreme hyperglycemia and hyperosmolarity, minimal/no ketoacidosis, profound dehydration; often older T2DM.
    hhs
  6. 06
    Initial fluid of choice in DKA/HHS resuscitation?
    Isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) boluses, then rate based on hemodynamics and corrected sodium.
    dka
  7. 07
    Why check potassium before starting insulin in DKA?
    Insulin drives K⁺ intracellularly; if K⁺ is already low, insulin can cause life-threatening hypokalemia — replete first if K⁺ very low.
    dka
  8. 08
    When do you add dextrose to IVF in DKA management?
    When glucose falls to ~200–250 mg/dL (protocol-dependent), to continue insulin until anion gap closes without hypoglycemia.
    dka
  9. 09
    Symptoms of hypoglycemia and first treatment if conscious?
    Sweating, tremor, hunger, confusion, seizure/coma if severe. Conscious: ~15 g fast carbs, recheck 15 min (rule of 15).
    hypoglycemia
  10. 10
    What is the dawn phenomenon?
    Early-morning hyperglycemia from nocturnal growth hormone/cortisol surge (not overnight hypoglycemia rebound).
    glucose
  11. 11
    Microvascular complications of diabetes?
    Retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy.
    complications
  12. 12
    Macrovascular complications of diabetes?
    Coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease.
    complications