T2DM Pathophysiology

• What does HbA1c stand for?

  Glycated hemoglobin
• What does the HbA1c test measure?

  Average blood sugar level over 2-3 months
• Why is HbA1c important for diabetes management?

  It provides a long-term picture of blood sugar control
• How can you visualize the difference between a regular blood sugar test and HbA1c?

  Regular test is a moment check; HbA1c is over months
• What does HbA1c reflect in terms of red blood cells?

  Average blood glucose level over their lifespan
• What is the lifespan of red blood cells?

  Approximately 2-3 months
• What happens to hemoglobin when blood sugar levels are high?

  Glucose molecules bind to hemoglobin
• What are the clinical significances of HbA1c?

  • Assess glycemic control
  • Adjust treatment plans
  • Predict risk of complications
• What is the relationship between HbA1c and glucose attachment?

  HbA1c measures glucose attached to hemoglobin
• Why is HbA1c not the only tool for managing diabetes?

  It should be used with other blood sugar tests
• How can healthcare providers use HbA1c in diabetes management?

  To make informed decisions about treatment
• What does the analogy of a bathtub represent in relation to HbA1c?

  It illustrates long-term blood glucose leves
• What is the main purpose of the HbA1c test?

  To assess average blood sugar control
• How does glycation relate to HbA1c?

  Glycation is the process of glucose binding to hemoglobin
• What can high HbA1c levels indicate about a patient's health?

  Increased risk of diabetes-related complications
• How does monitoring HbA1c influence diabetes treatment decisions?

  It guides medication and lifestyle adjustments
• What does FBG stand for?

  Fasting blood glucose
• What is measured by fasting blood glucose (FBG)?

  The amount of glucose in the blood
• How long must you fast before measuring FBG?

  At least 8 hours
• What is glucose primarily used for in the body?

  Energy source for cells
• How is glucose obtained by the body?

  From the breakdown of carbohydrates in food
• What hormone is produced by the pancreas to allow glucose entry into cells?

  Insulin
• What is the role of insulin in the body?

  It allows glucose to enter cells for energy
• What is glucagon?

  A hormone produced by the pancreas
• What does glucagon do in the body?

  Stimulates breakdown of glycogen to release glucose
• How does glucagon affect blood sugar levels?

  It raises blood sugar levels
• How do insulin and glucagon work together in the body?

  Insulin lowers blood glucose, glucagon raises it
• What regulates blood glucose levels?

  Negative feedback loop
• What triggers the release of insulin?

  High blood glucose after a meal
• What does insulin stimulate in the body?

  Glucose uptake and glycogen conversion
• What happens to blood sugar levels during fasting?

  They fall
• What stimulates the release of glucagon?

  Low blood sugar levels
• What does glucagon stimulate in the liver?

  Breakdown of glycogen
• What fasting blood glucose level indicates prediabetes?

  Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4% (42 to 47 mmol/mol)  
• What fasting blood glucose level indicates diabetes?

  126 mg/dL or higher
• How many tests are needed to diagnose diabetes?

  Two separate tests
• What is the importance of the FBG test?

  • Diagnoses diabetes
  • Monitors blood glucose levels
  • Assesses risk of diabetes
• What is hypoglycemia?

  Low blood glucose levels
• Why is glucose important for the brain?

  It is the primary fuel source for the brain
• What is a primary cause of medication-induced hypoglycemia?

  Insulin or certain diabetes medications