Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

Symptoms Symptoms and signs of diabetes mellitus are an increase in thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained loss of weight, presence of ketones in the urine, fatigue, increased irritation, blurred vision, slow-healing of sores, and skin and vagina infections. Long Term Effects The long-term effects of diabetes mellitus generally develop gradually. Possible effects include the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis; damaging of nerves causing neuropathy; damage to the kidneys, causing nephropathy; damage to the eyes, causing retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and even blindness; damage and infections in the foot due to nerve damage and poor flow of blood to the feet; skin problems, like infections due to bacteria and fungi; impaired hearing; and Alzheimer’s disease. Complications Diabetes mellitus can cause serious complications, like diabetic ketoacidosis, and is characterized by the production of a high level of blood acid, known as ketones. It is causedwhen the pancreas is unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin. This induces the body to break down fat as a source of fuel, and it leads to a buildup of acids, called ketones, in the body, causing diabetic ketoacidosis. This disorder can also be triggered by illnesses leading to the production of higher levels of adrenaline or cortisol hormones, which counter the effect of insulin; issues with therapy of insulin; physical or emotional trauma; heart attack; drug or alcohol abuse; and diuretics and certain medications. Signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are hyperglycemia, high ketones in the urine, confusion, fruity- scented breath, shortness of breath, pain in the abdomen, weakness, fatigue, frequent urination, excessive thirst, nausea, and vomiting. 7.8 Alterations of Hypothalamic-Pituitary Function Panhypopituitarism Panhypopituitarism is a rare condition characterized by the significant reduction or absence of pituitary hormones in the body. The role of the pituitary gland is to regulate the functioning of the endocrine glands, including the adrenal, parathyroid, pancreas, thyroid, ovaries, and testes. Signs and symptoms of panhypopituitarism depend on the deficiency of the particular hormone. Clinical manifestations of panhypopituitarism include micropenis, midline defects, optic atrophy, poor growth, and hypoglycemia. Some associated panhypopituitarism disorders are discussed below. Sheehan's syndrome is characterized by damage to the pituitary gland, causing hypopituitarism. Affecting women, it is associated with the loss of an excessive amount of blood, causing threat to life or severe hypotension during or after childbirth. The consequence of this syndrome is the deficiency of oxygen and it can cause damage to tissues and organs.

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