Page 1398 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

carbohydrate, protein, and lipid
metabolism caused by a deficiency of
insulin
b. An absolute or relative deficiency of
insulin results in hyperglycemia.
c. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a nearly
absolute deficiency of insulin (primary
beta cell destruction); if insulin is not
given, fats are metabolized for energy,
resulting in ketonemia (acidosis).
d. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a relative
lack of insulin or resistance to the
action of insulin; usually, insulin is
sufficient to stabilize fat and protein
metabolism but not carbohydrate
metabolism.
e. Metabolic syndrome is also known as
syndrome X, and the individual has
coexisting risk factors for developing
type 2 diabetes mellitus; these risk
factors include abdominal obesity,
hyperglycemia, hypertension, high
triglyceride level, and a lowered HDL
(high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol
level.
f. Diabetes mellitus can lead to chronic
health problems and early death as a
result of complications that occur in
the large and small blood vessels in
tissues and organs.
g. Macrovascular complications include
coronary artery disease,
cardiomyopathy, hypertension,
cerebrovascular disease, and
peripheral vascular disease. (Refer to
Chapter 52 for information on
cardiovascular problems.)
h. Microvascular complications include
retinopathy, nephropathy, and
neuropathy.
i. Infection is also a concern because of
reduced healing ability.
j. Male erectile dysfunction can also occur
as a result of the disease.

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes

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