Week 6 Case Study - Diabetes
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?
Based on the review of the case study information regarding the history, physical and lab
findings outline for this patient, the most likely diabetes diagnosis for this patient is Type 2
diabetes based on:
• Age: 48 yrs.
• PMH: HTN, HDL, Obesity
• familial history (brother)
• OGTT = 220
• HbA1C = 7.2
• Glucosuria
• Signs and symptoms: weight loss, fatigue, extreme thirst, fruity breath
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen diabetes diagnosis.
Since diabetes type 2 develops slowly and gets worse over time, it is known as "adult diabetes"
(Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). The pancreas is prompted to create and release more insulin when
blood glucose levels are high. By attaching itself to the receptors on organ cells, insulin tries to
lower blood glucose levels. The insulin does not enter the cells or function properly through
the insulin receptors that typically bind to the insulin. The prolonged period of elevated blood
glucose levels stems from this phenomenon, as the glucose is not absorbed and transferred to
the cells (ElSayed et al., 2023; Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). The pancreas receives this
information and begins producing and secreting even more insulin. The kidneys will then
eliminate the glucose that is in the blood, resulting in glucosuria, which can lead to osmotic
diuresis. Frequent urination (polyuria) leads to dehydration. The brain has been primed to
indicate the need for more fluid if this persists. Less energy is being produced in the muscle
cells as a result of the circulating glucose that typically supplies the organs. The brain receives
signals from the organs when they are deficient in nutrition and energy. This makes you feel
exhausted and extremely hungry. The pancreas eventually stops reacting to the cue to produce
more insulin as this cycle continues, which causes the blood's level of glucose to keep rising
(Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020).
3. Identify at least three subjective findings from the case which support the chosen diagnosis.
The case study presents the following three of the many subjective findings to support the
chosen diagnosis:
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Polyuria (> 4 X per night)
(Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020)
This study source was downloaded by 100000896793788 from nursinghero.com on 02-24-2025 07:57:23 GMT -06:00
https://www.nursinghero.com//study-files/12951224
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?
Based on the review of the case study information regarding the history, physical and lab
findings outline for this patient, the most likely diabetes diagnosis for this patient is Type 2
diabetes based on:
• Age: 48 yrs.
• PMH: HTN, HDL, Obesity
• familial history (brother)
• OGTT = 220
• HbA1C = 7.2
• Glucosuria
• Signs and symptoms: weight loss, fatigue, extreme thirst, fruity breath
2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen diabetes diagnosis.
Since diabetes type 2 develops slowly and gets worse over time, it is known as "adult diabetes"
(Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). The pancreas is prompted to create and release more insulin when
blood glucose levels are high. By attaching itself to the receptors on organ cells, insulin tries to
lower blood glucose levels. The insulin does not enter the cells or function properly through
the insulin receptors that typically bind to the insulin. The prolonged period of elevated blood
glucose levels stems from this phenomenon, as the glucose is not absorbed and transferred to
the cells (ElSayed et al., 2023; Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). The pancreas receives this
information and begins producing and secreting even more insulin. The kidneys will then
eliminate the glucose that is in the blood, resulting in glucosuria, which can lead to osmotic
diuresis. Frequent urination (polyuria) leads to dehydration. The brain has been primed to
indicate the need for more fluid if this persists. Less energy is being produced in the muscle
cells as a result of the circulating glucose that typically supplies the organs. The brain receives
signals from the organs when they are deficient in nutrition and energy. This makes you feel
exhausted and extremely hungry. The pancreas eventually stops reacting to the cue to produce
more insulin as this cycle continues, which causes the blood's level of glucose to keep rising
(Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020).
3. Identify at least three subjective findings from the case which support the chosen diagnosis.
The case study presents the following three of the many subjective findings to support the
chosen diagnosis:
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Polyuria (> 4 X per night)
(Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020)
This study source was downloaded by 100000896793788 from nursinghero.com on 02-24-2025 07:57:23 GMT -06:00
https://www.nursinghero.com//study-files/12951224
