Diabetes Pathophysiology & Types Flashcards
7 cards from real Diabetes practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Diabetes Pathophysiology & Types flashcards as text
Which autoantibody is MOST specific for identifying autoimmune Type 1 diabetes in adults?
Answer: Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA)
GADA (anti-GAD65) is the most sensitive and specific autoantibody for autoimmune Type 1 diabetes in adults and persists longest after diagnosis.
In Type 2 diabetes, which pathophysiological defect is typically present BEFORE fasting hyperglycemia develops?
Answer: Loss of first-phase insulin secretion
Loss of first-phase (rapid) insulin secretion in response to glucose is an early defect in Type 2 diabetes that precedes overt fasting hyperglycemia.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is BEST distinguished from Type 2 diabetes by:
Answer: Presence of pancreatic autoantibodies
The presence of pancreatic autoantibodies (most commonly GADA) is the defining feature that distinguishes LADA from Type 2 diabetes.
Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is primarily caused by:
Answer: Single-gene mutations affecting beta cell function
MODY is caused by single-gene (monogenic) mutations that impair beta cell function, distinguishing it from the polygenic Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
In Type 1 diabetes, which immune cells are primarily responsible for beta cell destruction in the pancreatic islets?
Answer: CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes
CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are the primary effector cells that directly kill insulin-producing beta cells in Type 1 diabetes.
A patient with Type 2 diabetes has progressive beta cell failure. Which mechanism BEST explains this deterioration?
Answer: Glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity causing beta cell apoptosis
Chronic exposure to elevated glucose (glucotoxicity) and free fatty acids (lipotoxicity) promotes beta cell oxidative stress and apoptosis, driving progressive beta cell failure in Type 2 diabetes.
Neonatal diabetes mellitus diagnosed before 6 months of age is MOST likely caused by:
Answer: Monogenic mutations affecting ATP-sensitive potassium channels
Most permanent neonatal diabetes is caused by monogenic mutations (e.g., KCNJ11 or ABCC8) that impair the ATP-sensitive potassium channels needed for insulin secretion.