Introduction, Background and Various Types

Abstract

1. Michelle Renee Campbell, MLS (ASCP) 1. Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 2. Masih Shokrani, Ph.D. MT (ASCP)[⇑][1] 1. Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 1. Address for Correspondence: Masih Shokrani, Ph.D. MT (ASCP), Associate Professor, Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115-2828, 815-753-6323, mshokrani{at}niu.edu 1. Compare and contrast the causes, symptoms and pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. 2. Discuss diabetic ketoacidosis and its clinical presentation. 3. Describe the symptoms and pathophysiology of gestational diabetes 4. Recognize various other forms of diabetes INTRODUCTION An understanding of the various forms of diabetes mellitus is critical for healthcare workers. At least 29.1 million Americans have diabetes; with about 8.1 million of these individuals unaware they have the disease.1 Worldwide, it is estimated that 150 million people live with diabetes mellitus.2 In the United States, an additional 86 million individuals aged 20 years and older are believed to be prediabetic.1 This figure does not take into account the growing number of prediabetic children across the globe. Diabetes mellitus results in ineffective insulin utilization and hyperglycemia.3 Healthy fasting blood glucose levels are between 70 and 100 mg/dL (~3.9-5.5 mmol/L). Diabetic individuals have chronic hyperglycemia, characterized as fasting blood glucose levels of 126 mg/dL (~6.9 mmol/L) and above.4 Acute complications include severe elevations in blood sugar levels that, if occurring in a dehydrated patient, can lead to an increase in blood osmolality and coma.5 Ketoacidosis, the accumulation of high levels of ketones in the blood, can also occur and be life threatening for diabetic individuals.6 Chronic effects of uncontrolled blood glucose in diabetic patients include increased risk of complications involving the eyes, heart, kidneys, peripheral nerves and blood vessels.7 History of Diabetes Mellitus Treatment While the history of diabetes mellitus spans several centuries, the use of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus was not introduced until the 1920s. In the 1930's, Roger Hinsworth differentiated between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, describing them as “insulin sensitive” and “insulin insensitive”.8 Hemoglobin A1c testing came into use… ABBREVIATIONS: DKA - Diabetic ketoacidosis, IA-2 - Islet antigen-2, IA-2B - Islet antigen-2B, IDDM - Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, MODY - Maturity-onset diabetes of the young 1. Compare and contrast the causes, symptoms and pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. 2. Discuss diabetic ketoacidosis and its clinical presentation. 3. Describe the symptoms and pathophysiology of gestational diabetes 4. Recognize various other forms of diabetes [1]: #corresp-1