In: Anatomy and Physiology
2. Sophia, a 58-year-old moderately obese woman, is seeing her primary health care provider. Sophia is concerned because she cut her foot two weeks ago and the wound is not healing. The health care provider notes that Sophia has lost 30 pounds since her last appointment. Despite her weight loss, she states that she has been very hungry lately, and is eating much more than usual. She also reports that she is constantly thirsty, and is experiencing frequent urination. Based on her symptoms and diagnostic studies performed by her health care provider, Sophia learns that she has diabetes mellitus. (6 points) a. What type of diabetes mellitus do you think Sophia has? Why? b. Explain to Sophia what measures she will have to take to control her symptoms. c. Explain two complications that can occur with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. d. Sophia has a niece that has had diabetes since she was six years old. What type of diabetes does Sophia’s niece most likely have? Sophia wants to know how their conditions are similar and how they are
different. How would you answer her?
a). Sophia has Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This is because she has symptoms like Polydipsia( excessive thirst), polyphagia( excessive hunger) and polyuria( frequent urination).
b).Sophia has to take regular anti- diabetic medications or insulin as prescribed by the doctor to control her high blood glucose levels.
In addition to that, she has to follow some lifestyle modifications :-• •Regular exercise • Losing weight can improve blood sugar levels and help keep type 2 diabetes under control • Proper Diet modifications as per nutritionist. • Leading a stress free life.
c).Two complications that can occur with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus are:-
*Diabetes is the leading cause of new vision loss among adults. It can lead to eye problems, some of which can cause blindness if not treated:
*It can lead to peripheral nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy can cause pain and burning or a loss of feeling in the feet. It usually starts with the toes. It can also affect the hands and other body parts.
d).Sophia's niece most likely has Type 1 Diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases, all of which have in common high blood sugar (glucose) levels that result from problems with insulin secretion, its action, or both. Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by a hormone produced by the pancreas known as insulin. When blood glucose levels rise (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to normalize the glucose level.
Type 1 diabetes- It is a condition where there is an absolute lack of insulin, usually due to autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, is the main problem in type 1 diabetes. It is most commonly diagnosed in young people.
Type 2 diabetes- People who have type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin, but do so relatively inadequately for their body's needs. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in individuals over 30 years of age, and its incidence increases with advancing age.Obesity is a risk factor.
The problem here lies in inability of the body's cells to use insulin properly and efficiently, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetes. This problem affects mostly the cells of muscle and fat tissues, and results in a condition known as insulin resistance.