Diabetes Mellitus

Aims

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

What different types are there?
Hyper/Hypoglycaemia
Signs and symptoms
Treatment

What is diabetes mellitus?

Latin for sweet urine

No production of insulin
Not enough insulin
Insulin resistance

4.45% of UK population
2.9 million people diagnosed

What is insulin?
Produced by pancreas
Key to unlock cells to
allow glucose in
Allows glucose to be
stored

With no insulin
blood glucose increases
With insulin, but other
reasons - blood glucose
decreases

Types of Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
Type 2 (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Mellitus)
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Normal blood glucose = 4-7mmol/l

Type 1 Diabetes

Juvenile Diabetes
Immune system attacks pancreas cells
Insulin not produced
Glucose can not be used
Increased blood glucose level
Genetic link

Controlled by insulin injection

Oral insulin = currently impossible

Type 2 Diabetes

Usually in overweight individuals

Body produces some insulin not enough
Resistance to insulin in body
Increased blood glucose levels

Diet controlled
Metformin
Insulin injection

Gestational diabetes
Occurs during pregnancy
Not enough insulin produced
Can be sign of pre-existing diabetes
Insulin injection (temporary)

Symptoms of diabetes

Increased thirst/hunger
Tiredness
Nausea/vomiting
Sweet breath
Blurred vision
Increased resps
Polyuria
Glucose in urine

Weight loss

Problems caused by diabetes

Neuropathy
Reduced wound healing
Stroke
Heart disease
Hypertension
Retinopathy
Peripheral vascular disease
Kidney disease
Foot problems

Hypoglycaemia
LOW blood sugar
Can be caused by:

Not eating enough

Exercise
Overdose of diabetic medication
Alcohol

Hyperglycaemia
HIGH blood sugar
Can be caused by:

Eating too much sugar

Skipping/missing diabetes medication
Infection
Stress
Decreased activity

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia

Rapid pulse
Fruity breath
Excessive thirst
Drowsy
Confused
Unconsciousness

Treatment
As first aid nothing
Get to hospital ASAP
DRABC

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia

History of diabetes
Weakness
Hunger
Confusion/irrational behaviour
Sweating/cold/clammy
Rapid pulse
Palpitations
? Diabetic bracelet

Treatment

Raise blood sugar

Give lucozade/sugary drink/food
Glucogel??
Carbohydrates
Get appropriate medical help
If unconscious do not give food/drink
DRABC

Conclusion

Diabetes is common
Likely to have to treat
Try to determine hypo/hyperglycaemia ASAP
If hyper no first aid treatment!
DRABC!!!

QUESTIONS??