Question

Minimum of one paragraph for each question:

1. List and describe the different "types" of diabetes mellitus.

2. List and describe three body system complications related to DM (see attachment - some examples) and what are the signs & symptoms and plan of treatment for each.

3. List and describe one drug used to treat diseases of the Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Answer 1

1. List and describe the different "types" of diabetes mellitus.

a. Type 1 Diabetes

Also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes. Occurs due to the autoimmune conditions, causes decreased production of insulin. Genetic predisposition could also be the result of insufficient beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

b. Type 2 Diabetes

It is the most common form of diabetes type 2 diabetes. The incidence rate in adults is more than 95%. It is also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Occurs as a result of inability of the body to utilize the insulin produced or insulin resistance.

c. Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus triggered by pregnancy is called gestational diabetes as result of insulin resistance. It is commonly diagnosed in middle or late pregnancy. The familial history adds to the risk. GDM must be controlled effectively to protect the baby's growth and development.

d. Other Forms of Diabetes

Other diseases like disorders of the pancreas, certain surgeries and medications, or infections can cause diabetes and account for only 1% to 5% of all cases of diabetes.

2. List and describe three-body system complications related to DM (see attachment - some examples) and what are the signs & symptoms and plan of treatment for each.

a. Cardiovascular System

The high blood sugar and increased cholesterol levels commonly seen in people with diabetes contribute to plaques on the inner walls of blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis. The increased levels of blood sugar also result in glycation (sugars attached to proteins) making them sticky and may result in inflammation. This process in the cardiac vessels will cause cardiovascular disease.

Treatment options are pharmacological( antiplatelet drugs, cholesterol reducing drugs, drugs to control DM), nutritional and lifestyle modifications(exercises).

b. Nervous System or diabetic neuropathy

It occurs as a result of prolonged high blood pressure levels. It causes peripheral neuropathy mainly affects the legs and feet, typically starts as numbness or tingling that progresses to loss of pain and heat and cold perception in feet or hands, making it difficult to sense an injury. Another type of nervous system damage called diabetic autonomic neuropathy will affect the autonomic nerves regulating the heart, blood vessels, and digestive and other systems. This will add to the problems with blood pressure, heart rhythm and digestion.

c. Visual System / diabetic retinopathy

The eye disease caused by the nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood pressure. Retinal damage and diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy and eventually lead to blindness. Cataracts and glaucoma risks also increase with high blood sugar.

3. List and describe one drug used to treat diseases of the Thyroid and Pituitary Glands

Drugs used to treat diseases of the Thyroid gland:

a. Levothyroxine- Drug of choice for hypothyroidism

b.Antithyroid medications: Iodine-131 (131I) (Selectively destroy hyperactive thyroid tissue and used to treat hyperthyroidism

Common and serious adverse effects are thyroid gland tenderness, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

Drug interactions can occur with Lithium carbonate

c. Antithyroid Medicine: Propylthiouracil (PTU, Propacil), Methimazole (Tapazole) acts by blocking synthesis of T3 and T4 and used for long-term treatment for hyperthyroidism and preoperative treatment.

Drugs used to treat diseases of the pituitary gland

a. Bromocriptine and cabergoline for pituitary adenomas called prolactinomas

b. Somatostatin analogs like Lanreotide or Octreotide for pituitary adenomas that produce excess growth hormone.

c. Pegvisomant (Somavert) which can block the effect of excess growth hormone on the body.

d. Ketoconazole: This medication decreases cortisol secretion without shrinking the tumour or stops hormone production.