BIOS 252 Week 6 Case Study

BIOS 252 Week 6 Case Study

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Chamberlain University

BIOS-252 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of individuals globally. It is a metabolic disorder marked by disruptions in insulin secretion, which is vital for controlling glucose levels in the body. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, allows the body to utilize glucose derived from food as energy. When insulin production is impaired, the body’s ability to regulate glucose levels is compromised, leading to either hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Both conditions pose significant health risks if not properly managed.

BIOS 252 Week 6 Case Study

Hyperglycemia is diagnosed when blood glucose levels exceed 125 mg/dL. This condition can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, blurred vision, slurred speech, ketoacidosis, and, in severe cases, a diabetic coma. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL, leading to loss of consciousness, cognitive impairments, and neurological complications. For effective management of diabetes, it is essential to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range through a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, and careful monitoring of diet and physical activity. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in helping patients develop a personalized treatment plan that fits their unique needs.

Another important aspect of diabetes management involves understanding the patient’s medical history. Certain medications and conditions can affect blood glucose regulation. For instance, drugs used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease may elevate glucose levels, complicating diabetes management. Thus, understanding a patient’s medical history is essential for creating an effective treatment plan that accounts for these factors.

Management of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, a condition resulting from extremely low blood sugar levels, can be dangerous if left untreated. The nervous system, which depends on glucose and oxygen for energy, may suffer severe impairment when deprived of a consistent supply of glucose. As a result, neural functions such as cognitive tasks and consciousness may be compromised. In the worst-case scenario, seizures or comas can occur. To prevent hypoglycemia, diabetic patients should closely monitor their blood glucose levels and adopt preventive strategies, such as eating frequent small meals throughout the day or carrying glucose tablets to raise blood sugar levels when necessary.

Hyperglycemia, on the other hand, occurs when the body fails to metabolize sugar correctly, causing an accumulation in the bloodstream. In a healthy person, the kidneys reabsorb glucose and eliminate waste through urine, maintaining proper glucose balance. However, in diabetic individuals, glucose reabsorption is slow due to the buildup of sugar in the bloodstream. This leads to osmotic diuresis, where the body attempts to eliminate excess glucose through excessive urination—up to 10 to 15 liters per day in some cases. If hydration is inadequate, this process can result in dehydration and, potentially, a loss of consciousness. In addition to medications like insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can aid in controlling hyperglycemia.

In the absence of sufficient insulin to regulate blood sugar and provide energy, the body may turn to fat as an energy source, leading to the production of ketones. This can result in diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that is characterized by the accumulation of acids (ketones) in the blood. If left uncontrolled, individuals with this condition may emit a sweet, rotten smell due to the buildup of ketones.

References

Mathew, P., & Thoppil, D. (2021). Hypoglycemia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534841/

Mouri, M. I., & Badireddy, M. (2022). Hyperglycemia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430900/

BIOS 252 Week 6 Case Study

Saladin, K. S. (2020). Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Sapra, A., & Bhandari, P. (2022). Diabetes Mellitus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551501/

Table 1: Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia Overview

Table 2: Management Strategies for Diabetes