Home Lessons Diabetes & Hormones
🍬 Lecture 5

Diabetes & Hormones

DM1 vs DM2, DI, SIADH, insulin types, DKA vs HHNK, Hb A1C.

DM Types

Type 1 DMType 2 DMDISIADH
KeyNo insulin, juvenile, ketosis-proneInsulin resistant, adultLow ADH → polyuriaExcess ADH → oliguria
TreatmentDIE: Diet, Insulin, ExerciseDOA: Diet(#1), Oral meds, ActivityFluid/ADH replacementFluid restriction, Lasix
FluidDeficitDeficitDeficitEXCESS
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Hb A1C = best long-term glucose indicator (90-day avg). Normal <6 | Borderline = 7 | Out of control >8

Insulin

InsulinOnsetPeakDurationNotes
Regular (R)1 hr2 hrs4 hrsCLEAR — can give IV
NPH (N)6 hrs8–10 hrs12 hrsCLOUDY — NEVER IV
Lispro15 min30 min3 hrsGive WITH meal
Glargine (Lantus)SlowNO PEAK12–24 hrsONLY safe at bedtime
🧪 Mixing Insulin — RN Rule
Inject air into N, then R. Draw up R first, then N.
(Think: RN — Regular before NPH)

Complications

HypoglycemiaDKA (Type 1)HHNK (Type 2)
Looks likeDRUNK + SHOCK (cold/clammy, tachy, low BP)Dry/warm, Kussmaul, acetone breathSeverely dehydrated
#1 causeToo much insulinAcute viral URI 2 wks priorSevere dehydration
TreatmentSugar + starch/protein. Unconscious: Glucagon IM or D50 IVRegular Insulin IV + fluids 200mL/hrFLUIDS FIRST
MortalityLow if treatedLower (fast response)HIGHER (presents late)

📖 Notes for Dummies

🧠 Think of it this way…
Diabetes is about sugar and insulin not working together. Insulin is the KEY that opens the door to your cells so sugar can get in. Without the key (Type 1) or if the locks are broken (Type 2), sugar floats in the blood causing damage everywhere.
🗝️
Type 1 vs Type 2:
Type 1: Pancreas makes NO insulin → must have it to live (DIE without it)
Type 2: Body ignores insulin → can start with diet and pills (DOA)
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Low blood sugar = DRUNK in SHOCK:
Brain runs out of sugar → acts drunk (slurred, staggering) + goes into shock (cold, clammy, fast heart).
Fix FAST: sugar + protein. Unconscious? Glucagon IM at home, D50 IV in hospital.
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DKA vs HHNK:
DKA (Type 1): Burns fat → ketones (acetone breath), Kussmaul breathing. Treat with insulin IV.
HHNK (Type 2): No ketones, just DEHYDRATED. Blood sugar so high it's like syrup. REHYDRATE FIRST!
📝 Real-life scenarios:
🏃 Patient exercises → acts like extra insulin → decrease dose + give snack
🤒 Patient is sick → stress raises sugar → still needs insulin even if not eating
🌙 Safe at bedtime → only Glargine (Lantus) — no peak = no overnight hypoglycemia
📅 Best sugar report card → Hb A1C (90-day average)