Registered Nurse (RN) Endocrine Licensure Exam

What is a typical clinical characteristic of Type 1 diabetics?

1. A. Overweight, young with no ketones present in the urine

2. B. Thin, young with ketones present in the urine

3. C. Overweight, adult-aged with ketones present in the urine

4. D. Thin, older adult with glycosuria

The correct answer is: B. Thin, young with ketones present in the urine

The choice highlighting the characteristics of Type 1 diabetes as being thin and young with ketones present in the urine accurately reflects the clinical presentation typical for individuals diagnosed with this condition. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. This usually manifests in younger individuals, often in childhood or adolescence, and they may present with significant weight loss due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose effectively for energy. Instead, it resorts to breaking down fat and muscle, leading to a thinner physique. The presence of ketones in the urine is also a hallmark sign of Type 1 diabetes, particularly when the body enters a state of ketosis due to insulin deficiency. When glucose cannot enter the cells for energy, the body begins to metabolize fat, producing ketones as a byproduct, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. In contrast, characteristics such as being overweight or older and the absence of ketones would more likely be associated with Type 2 diabetes, where the body still produces insulin but is unable to use it effectively. Thus, identifying the classic clinical traits of Type 1 diabetes, including age, body composition, and the biochemical markers like ketones, is crucial