Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia

Case Study Scenario
Chief Complaint
J.T. is a 48-year old male who presents to the primary care clinic with fatigue, weight loss, and extreme thirst and increased appetite.
History of Present Illness
J.T. has been in his usual state of health until three weeks ago when he began experiencing symptoms of fatigue, weight loss, and extreme thirst. He reports that he would like to begin a walking program, but he feels too fatigued to walk at any point during the day. Now he is very concerned about gaining more weight since he is eating more. He reports insomnia due to having to get up and urinate greater than 4 times per night.
Past Medical History 
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Obesity
Family History
• Both parents deceased
• Brother: Type 2 diabetes 
Social History
• Denies smoking
• Denies alcohol or recreational drug use
• Landscaper  
Allergies
• No Known Drug Allergies 
Medications
• Lisinopril 20 mg once daily by mouth
• Atorvastatin 20 mg once daily by mouth
• Aspirin 81 mg once daily by mouth
• Multivitamin once daily by mouth
Review of Systems
• Constitutional: - fever, - chills, - weight loss.

• Neurological: denies dizziness or disorientation
• HEENT: Denies nasal congestion, rhinorrhea or sore throat.  
• Chest: (-)Tachypnea. Denies cough.
• Heart: Denies chest pain, chest pressure or palpitations.
• Lymph: Denies lymph node swelling.
General Physical Exam  
• Constitutional: Alert and oriented male in no acute distress   
• Vital Signs: BP-136/80, T-98.6 F, P-78, RR-20
• Wt. 240 lbs., Ht. 5'8", BMI 36.5
HEENT 
• Eyes: Pupils equal, round and reactive to light and accommodation, normal conjunctiva. 
• Ears: Tympanic membranes intact. 
• Nose: Bilateral nasal turbinates without redness or swelling. Nares patent. 
• Mouth: Oropharynx clear. No mouth lesions. Teeth present and intact; Oral mucous membranes and lips dry. 
Neck/Lymph Nodes 
• Neck supple without JVD. 
• No lymphadenopathy, masses or carotid bruits. 
Lungs 
• Bilateral breath sounds clear throughout lung fields. Breathing quality deep with fruity breath odor
Heart 
• S1 and S2 regular rate and rhythm; - tachycardia; no rubs or murmurs. 
Integumentary System 
• Skin warm, dry; Nail beds pink without clubbing.  
Labs
Test Patient's Result Reference
Glucose (fasting) 132 60-120 mg/dL
BUN 20 7-24 mg/dL
Creatinine 0.8 0.7-1.4 mg/dL
Sodium 141 135-145 mEq/L
Sodium 141 135-145 mEq/L

Chloride 97 95-105 mEq/L
HCO3 24 22-28 mEq/L
A1C 7.2
Urinalysis
Protein
Glucose
Ketones
Negative
Positive
Negative
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 220 mg/dL
J.T. is diagnosed with diabetes. Review all information provided in the case to answer the following questions.
Case Study Questions
Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease

  1. Review the lab findings and decide if the diagnosis is Type 2 or Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
  2. Explain the pathophysiology associated with your chosen diagnosis.
  3. Identify at least three subjective findings from the case which support the chosen diagnosis.
  4. Identify at least three objective findings from the case which support the chosen diagnosis.
    Management of the Disease
    *Utilize the required Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) to support your treatment recommendations.
  5. Identify two (2) "Evidence A" recommended medication classes for the treatment of this condition and provide an example (drug name) for each.
  6. Describe the mechanism of action for each of the medication classes identified above.
  7. Identify two (2) "Evidence A" recommended non-pharmacological treatment options for this patient.
  8. Utilizes the required Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) to support the chosen treatment recommendations.
    • Instructions- identifies the likely diagnosis based on exam and lab findings.
    • Explains the pathophysiology associated with the chosen disorder.
    • Supports the pathophysiology statement with at least one appropriate, scholarly reference (textbook is acceptable for pathophysiology statements only).
    • Identifies at least three subjective findings from the case.
    • Identifies at least three objective findings from the case. Utilizes the required Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) to support the chosen treatment recommendations.

Full Answer Section

   

The patient's lab findings support a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. His fasting glucose level of 132 mg/dL is elevated. His A1C level of 7.2 is also elevated. A1C is a measure of blood sugar control over the past 3 months. A level of 7.2 or higher is considered to be diabetic. The patient's urinalysis also showed the presence of glucose and ketones. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy. They are a sign that the body is not getting enough glucose for energy.

In addition to the lab findings, the patient's symptoms are also consistent with type 2 diabetes. He has been experiencing fatigue, weight loss, and extreme thirst. These symptoms are caused by high blood sugar levels. The patient also reports having to get up and urinate more frequently at night. This is also a sign of high blood sugar levels.

Subjective Findings

  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Extreme thirst
  • Increased appetite
  • Insomnia due to having to get up and urinate more than 4 times per night

Objective Findings

  • Elevated fasting glucose level (132 mg/dL)
  • Elevated A1C level (7.2)
  • Positive urinalysis for glucose and ketones
  • Dry skin
  • Fruity breath odor

Management of the Disease

The management of type 2 diabetes includes lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes that can help to manage type 2 diabetes include:

  • Losing weight
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Managing stress

Medications that can be used to manage type 2 diabetes include:

  • Metformin (Glucophage)
  • Sulfonylureas (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase)
  • Thiazolidinediones (Actos, Avandia)
  • Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (Januvia, Victoza)
  • Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (Jardiance, Invokana)

The choice of medication will depend on the individual patient's needs and preferences.

Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG)

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of type 2 diabetes. The CPG provides recommendations for lifestyle changes and medication for the management of type 2 diabetes.

The CPG recommends that all patients with type 2 diabetes make lifestyle changes, including losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. The CPG also recommends that patients with type 2 diabetes who are unable to control their blood sugar with lifestyle changes alone be treated with medication.

The CPG recommends two "Evidence A" recommended medication classes for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: metformin and sulfonylureas. Metformin is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas are also effective in lowering blood sugar levels, but they are associated with a greater risk of hypoglycemia.

Medication Examples

  • Metformin (Glucophage) is a first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing the amount of glucose that the liver produces and by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.
  • Sulfonylureas (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase) are medications that work by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. They are effective in lowering blood sugar levels, but they are associated with a greater risk of hypoglycemia.

The patient in the case study is most likely a good candidate for treatment with metformin. Metformin is a safe and effective medication that can help to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sample Answer

    The patient in the case study is most likely suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use glucose for energy. When there isn't enough insulin or the body's cells don't use insulin effectively, glucose builds up in the blood.