Polydipsia and polyuria

The aim of this topic is to review the pathophysiology and long-term consequences of diabetes mellitus.

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this topic you should be able to:

1. Define the term "diabetes mellitus", and indicate the common investigations used in the diagnosis of this condition.
2. Distinguish between insulin-dependent (type I), non insulin-dependent (typeII) and gestational diabetes on epidemiological and clinical grounds.
3. Describe the role of insulin in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
4. Describe the pathogenesis of the common forms of diabetes mellitus, and outline the major risk factors for their development.
5. Describe the biochemical basis of the major metabolic disturbances in diabetes, including ketoacidosis and hyperglycaemic coma, and the likely metabolic consequences of these conditions.
6. Describe the macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes, with emphasis on diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.
7. Discuss the factors that may result in the development of a foot ulcer in an individual with diabetes mellitus.
8. Discuss the nature and pathogenesis of neurological lesions seen in long-standing diabetes mellitus.
9. Outline the laboratory investigations used in the assessment and monitoring of a patient with diabetes mellitus.

1. What are "advanced glycosylation end-products"? What is their relationship to the long-term complications of diabetes mellitus?
2. Discuss the pathophysiology and complications of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Case protocol associated with this topic - 34

Back to Tutorial Timetable