🩺 NCLEX Study Guide: Diabetes Mellitus
Course: NURS 3210 – Nurse as a Care Provider
Focus: Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2)
🔍 1. Pathophysiology Overview
Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta Insulin resistance + relative insulin
cells deficiency
Absolute insulin deficiency Progressive, often lifestyle-related
Rapid onset, usually in youth Gradual onset, usually in adults
🧪 2. Key Lab Values
Test Normal Range Diagnostic for Diabetes
Fasting glucose 70–100 mg/dL ≥126 mg/dL
Random <140 mg/dL ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms
glucose
HbA1c <5.7% ≥6.5%
Urinalysis Negative for Ketones common in DKA (Type 1)
ketones/glucose
🚨 3. Signs & Symptoms
● Hyperglycemia: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss
(Type 1)
● Hypoglycemia: Shakiness, confusion, diaphoresis, dizziness, headache, palpitations,
irritability
Course: NURS 3210 – Nurse as a Care Provider
Focus: Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2)
🔍 1. Pathophysiology Overview
Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta Insulin resistance + relative insulin
cells deficiency
Absolute insulin deficiency Progressive, often lifestyle-related
Rapid onset, usually in youth Gradual onset, usually in adults
🧪 2. Key Lab Values
Test Normal Range Diagnostic for Diabetes
Fasting glucose 70–100 mg/dL ≥126 mg/dL
Random <140 mg/dL ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms
glucose
HbA1c <5.7% ≥6.5%
Urinalysis Negative for Ketones common in DKA (Type 1)
ketones/glucose
🚨 3. Signs & Symptoms
● Hyperglycemia: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss
(Type 1)
● Hypoglycemia: Shakiness, confusion, diaphoresis, dizziness, headache, palpitations,
irritability
