Diabetes Mellitus

When glucose can't get into the cells · Week 8
Insulin is the key that lets glucose into cells. In diabetes that key fails. Either there is no insulin (Type 1), or the cells ignore it (Type 2). Either way, glucose piles up in the blood. Click each type, then compare the two emergencies.

Insulin & glucose

Watch whether insulin is there, and whether glucose can get into the cell.
Pick a type.

The drawing above is one cell and the blood around it. Insulin is the key. Glucose is the fuel. Watch the key. Then watch the door. Pick a type to see what goes wrong.

Pick a typeType 1 · Type 2 · gestational

What's happening

The two emergencies
FeatureDKAHHS
Seen inType 1Type 2
Blood sugar> 250 mg/dL> 600 mg/dL
KetonesYes (acidosis)No
HallmarkKussmaul breathingDeep dehydration, thick blood