Anna Garcia Timeline

Body System
Cardiovascular System
Urinary System
Respiratory System
Endocrine System

14 months:
Higher urine output
Rapid heart rate
Low hematocrit results
Abnormal breathing
Sickle Cell Anemia diagnosis
14 Years Old:
Tingling in legs
Glucose in urine
Weight lost
Excessive thirst
Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis
37 Years Old:
Premature ventricular contractions
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Tachycardia
Heart disease diagnosis
38 Years Old:
Hard to urinate
Cloudy and pink urine
Urinary Tract Infection diagnosis
Extreme pain in extremities


Factors Contributing to Annas Death
Forgetting to take insulin
Glucose building up in bloodstream
Body uses fatty acids to make ATP rather than glucose
Acidic ketones are produced
Ketones build up in blood and appear in urine
Inflammation in the brain
Lack of control and muscles weaken
Fall to the ground, become unconscious, and death


Long Term Preventions
Hydroxyurea
Insulin Injections
A1C Monitoring
Short Term Preventions
Non-smoker
Daily aspirin
Yoga

Conclusion Questions:

1.) Although the autopsy report states that ketones were present in Annas urine, there were
multiple factors that lead up to her death. One look at the crime scene allows an individual to
clearly observe four symptoms of DKA. When Anna forgot to take the insulin, her cells began to
break down fat instead of glucose as a source of energy. Because of this, ketones were
produced and her brain became inflamed. Once it swelled, the vagus nerve was stimulated and
she threw up. Motor control and balance was also affected and she fell, all while trying to inject
insulin. Diabetic shock set in and death became inevitable.

2.) Because Anna had diabetes, her endocrine system wasnt functioning properly. The
pancreas was unable to secrete insulin, and as a result, she ended up with ketoacidosis. As a
result of the DKA, her nervous system also failed. The brain swelling caused more devastating
complications that ultimately prevented her from injecting insulin.

3.) Most likely thirst judging by the empty bottle of orange juice. Nausea, disorientation,
dizziness, and fatigue would also be likely conversation topics.
4.) The first thing that comes to mind is an insulin pump. Or life alert :)

5.) Biochemistry seems much more appealing to me now that I have background information on
the subject. Although the career requires a PhD in order to work full-time, the classes and work
that needs to be done would be interesting. Because the field is centered around both biology
and chemistry, I feel like it would be a better career option than simply choosing one or the
other. I am also more interested in becoming a cardiovascular nurse. I have always wanted to
be a nurse, but I did not know what type. Now that I have learned more about the heart and how
it works, this specialty is more appealing to me. I would still be able to interact with the patients
rather than sitting by a microscope.