WEEK 6 CASE STUDY:
Pathophysiology & Clinical
Findings of T2DM
Key Concepts
, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
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 patient is a 48-year-old obese male who presents to the clinic with a three-week history
of fatigue, weight loss, polydipsia, polyphagia, and insomnia related to nocturia. The patient
reports that his fatigue has negatively impacted his daily life, prohibiting him from participating in
light exercise. This patient has a past medical history of obesity, hypertension, and
hyperlipidemia, with a family history of Type II diabetes. Upon exam, his oral mucosa are dry,
and a fruity odor is noted. Laboratory values reveal a fasting blood glucose of 132, an A1c of
7.2, and an oral glucose tolerance test of 220. Urinalysis was positive for glucose. Given this
information, this patient most likely has type II diabetes mellitus.
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen diabetes diagnosis.
Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin
resistance. It accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases and is most commonly seen
in obese individuals over the age of 45 (Goyal et al., 2023). Other risk factors that contribute to
the development of T2DM include hypertension, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, and dietary
practices. Researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the
development of this disease. In T2DM, abnormalities in the insulin signaling pathways lead to
diminishing insulin response within the body (McCance & Huether, 2019). The body reacts by
increasing insulin production to maintain glucose homeostasis; however, over time, insulin
production decreases, leading to T2DM (Goyal et al., 2023).
In this clinical scenario, the patient has a history of obesity and hyperlipidemia. Obesity is
one of the most significant contributing factors to insulin resistance, as it results in increased
serum levels of leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and decreased adiponectin, all of which are
associated with decreased insulin production and insulin resistance (McCance & Huether,
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Pathophysiology & Clinical
Findings of T2DM
Key Concepts
, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
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 patient is a 48-year-old obese male who presents to the clinic with a three-week history
of fatigue, weight loss, polydipsia, polyphagia, and insomnia related to nocturia. The patient
reports that his fatigue has negatively impacted his daily life, prohibiting him from participating in
light exercise. This patient has a past medical history of obesity, hypertension, and
hyperlipidemia, with a family history of Type II diabetes. Upon exam, his oral mucosa are dry,
and a fruity odor is noted. Laboratory values reveal a fasting blood glucose of 132, an A1c of
7.2, and an oral glucose tolerance test of 220. Urinalysis was positive for glucose. Given this
information, this patient most likely has type II diabetes mellitus.
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen diabetes diagnosis.
Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin
resistance. It accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases and is most commonly seen
in obese individuals over the age of 45 (Goyal et al., 2023). Other risk factors that contribute to
the development of T2DM include hypertension, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, and dietary
practices. Researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the
development of this disease. In T2DM, abnormalities in the insulin signaling pathways lead to
diminishing insulin response within the body (McCance & Huether, 2019). The body reacts by
increasing insulin production to maintain glucose homeostasis; however, over time, insulin
production decreases, leading to T2DM (Goyal et al., 2023).
In this clinical scenario, the patient has a history of obesity and hyperlipidemia. Obesity is
one of the most significant contributing factors to insulin resistance, as it results in increased
serum levels of leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and decreased adiponectin, all of which are
associated with decreased insulin production and insulin resistance (McCance & Huether,
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