Week 6 Case Study Template
Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease
1. Based on the review of the history, physical and lab findings what is the most likely
diabetes diagnosis for this patient?
The most likely diabetes diagnosis, based on the patient’s history, physical examination,
and laboratory findings is type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patient’s lab findings meet criteria for
diagnosis of diabetes. According to clinical practice guidelines by the American Diabetes
Association (ADA), patients may display a fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 126
mg/dL or an A1C above 6.5% (ADA, 2022).
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen diabetes diagnosis.
According to Galicia-Garcia et al. (2020), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurs due to
malfunctioning of the feedback loops between insulin action and insulin secretion which results
in abnormally high level of serum glucose. B-cells, which are responsible for insulin production,
become dysfunctional due to a host of environmental and biological factors. Glucotoxicity and
lipotoxicity that occur in obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia give rise to inflammation,
metabolic and oxidative stress leading to b-cell damage (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). As b-cell
function is reduced, so too is the secretion of insulin and the body’s ability to maintain glucose
levels. Insulin resistance, which occurs due to excessive secretion of regulatory hormones that
impair a cell’s insulin receptors or impaired insulin response at target tissue, also contribute to
T2DM (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). Insulin resistance impacts glucose production and decreased
glucose uptake in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. B-cell dysfunction coupled with insulin
resistance amplifies hyperglycemia leading to the progression of T2DM (Galicia-Garcia et al.,
2020).
Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease
1. Based on the review of the history, physical and lab findings what is the most likely
diabetes diagnosis for this patient?
The most likely diabetes diagnosis, based on the patient’s history, physical examination,
and laboratory findings is type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patient’s lab findings meet criteria for
diagnosis of diabetes. According to clinical practice guidelines by the American Diabetes
Association (ADA), patients may display a fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 126
mg/dL or an A1C above 6.5% (ADA, 2022).
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen diabetes diagnosis.
According to Galicia-Garcia et al. (2020), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurs due to
malfunctioning of the feedback loops between insulin action and insulin secretion which results
in abnormally high level of serum glucose. B-cells, which are responsible for insulin production,
become dysfunctional due to a host of environmental and biological factors. Glucotoxicity and
lipotoxicity that occur in obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia give rise to inflammation,
metabolic and oxidative stress leading to b-cell damage (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). As b-cell
function is reduced, so too is the secretion of insulin and the body’s ability to maintain glucose
levels. Insulin resistance, which occurs due to excessive secretion of regulatory hormones that
impair a cell’s insulin receptors or impaired insulin response at target tissue, also contribute to
T2DM (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). Insulin resistance impacts glucose production and decreased
glucose uptake in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. B-cell dysfunction coupled with insulin
resistance amplifies hyperglycemia leading to the progression of T2DM (Galicia-Garcia et al.,
2020).
