Case Study: Sweet Sarah
Patient Profile:
- Name: Sarah Johnson
- Age: 16
- Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
- Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Occupation: High school student and volleyball player
Chief Complaint: Sarah has been feeling unusually tired, thirsty, and has noticed frequent urination for the past few weeks. She also reported unintentional weight loss and blurred vision. Her mother, recognizing some of the symptoms, took her to the doctor for evaluation.
Medical History:
- Sarah has always been healthy and active.
- No history of chronic illnesses or previous hospitalizations.
- No known drug allergies.
Symptoms and Timeline:
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia): Last 2-3 weeks
- Frequent urination (polyuria): 2-3 weeks
- Increased hunger (polyphagia): 2 weeks
- Fatigue: 3 weeks
- Unintentional weight loss: 5 pounds in the last month
- Blurred vision: Sporadic, in the last week
Physical Examination:
- Blood pressure: 100/70 mmHg (normal)
- Heart rate: 85 bpm (slightly elevated but normal)
- Breathing rate: 20 breaths/min (normal)
- Glucose level: 380 mg/dL (high; normal fasting glucose is 70-100 mg/dL)
Lab Results:
- HbA1c: 8.9% (normal is below 5.7%; this level suggests poorly controlled blood glucose over the past 3 months)
- C-peptide: Low, indicating little to no insulin production
- Presence of autoantibodies: Positive (indicative of autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells)
Answer the following questions. Be sure to do your own research and put your answers in your own words. Copied answers from anywhere, including AI, will not receive credit.:
Case Study Questions for Sweet Sarah: A Patient with Type 1 Diabetes
- What are the main differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? Be sure to tell me the different causes of each and insulin production differences in each type?
- Why is Sarah experiencing excessive thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria)? How does this relate to her blood glucose levels? Be specific for full credit.
- Explain the role of insulin in the body. What organ produces insulin? Relate this to the presence of autoantibodies in Sarah’s lab work. Why does the lack of insulin in Sarah’s case lead to fatigue and weight loss?
- Why is Sarah’s HbA1c elevated, and what does this lab result indicate about her blood sugar control over the past few months? What does HbA1c measure?
- What are some of the long-term complications that Sarah may face if her Type 1 diabetes is not well managed? Again, be specific for full credit. What causes these long-term complications with relation to Type 1 diabetes?
