Western Biomedical Concepts for Acupuncturists Flashcards
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What fasting plasma glucose level meets the diagnostic criterion for diabetes mellitus?
Answer: 126 mg/dL or higher
Fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher on two occasions is diagnostic of diabetes; 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.
Which hemoglobin A1c value is diagnostic of diabetes?
Answer: 6.5% or higher
An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic of diabetes, while 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes.
A patient's labs show high TSH and low free T4. What does this pattern most likely indicate?
Answer: Primary hypothyroidism
A failing thyroid produces little T4, so the pituitary raises TSH, which is the pattern of primary hypothyroidism.
What is the most common cause of microcytic anemia?
Answer: Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of microcytic (small red cell) anemia; B12 and folate deficiencies cause macrocytic anemia.
Which cells produce insulin?
Answer: Beta cells of the pancreatic islets
Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans secrete insulin, while alpha cells secrete glucagon.
Which pair of lab values is most commonly used to assess kidney function?
Answer: Serum creatinine and eGFR
Serum creatinine and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are the standard markers of renal function.
Which organ is the main source of erythropoietin, the hormone that stimulates red blood cell production?
Answer: Kidney
The kidneys secrete erythropoietin in response to hypoxia, which is why chronic kidney disease often causes anemia.