Diabetes Education Certification Diabetes Pathophysiology & Types 2

Question 1

Which autoantibody is MOST specific for identifying autoimmune Type 1 diabetes in adults?

Accepted Answer

Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA)

Answer

GADA (anti-GAD65) is the most sensitive and specific autoantibody for autoimmune Type 1 diabetes in adults and persists longest after diagnosis.

Question 2

In Type 2 diabetes, which pathophysiological defect is typically present BEFORE fasting hyperglycemia develops?

Accepted Answer

Loss of first-phase insulin secretion

Answer

Loss of first-phase (rapid) insulin secretion in response to glucose is an early defect in Type 2 diabetes that precedes overt fasting hyperglycemia.

Question 3

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is BEST distinguished from Type 2 diabetes by:

Accepted Answer

Presence of pancreatic autoantibodies

Answer

The presence of pancreatic autoantibodies (most commonly GADA) is the defining feature that distinguishes LADA from Type 2 diabetes.

Question 4

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Single-gene mutations affecting beta cell function

Answer

MODY is caused by single-gene (monogenic) mutations that impair beta cell function, distinguishing it from the polygenic Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Question 5

In Type 1 diabetes, which immune cells are primarily responsible for beta cell destruction in the pancreatic islets?

Accepted Answer

CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Answer

CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are the primary effector cells that directly kill insulin-producing beta cells in Type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes Practice Test