2. Drugs used in the management of diabetes mellitus Flashcards
How is insulin synthesized?
- Proinsulin is the immediate precursor of insulin.
- Enzymes cleave off the connecting peptide (C-peptide) to release active insulin, composed of two peptide chains
- These 2 chains are connected by disulphide (S-S) bonds.
- Since C-peptide arises only from endogenous insulin, its presence in blood indicates endogenous synthesis of insulin.
How does glucose stimulate insulin secretion?
Increased levels of glucose in the circulation lead to increased glucose uptake into pancreatic beta cells through the low affinity glucose transporter, GLUT2.
Increased intracellular glucose then leads to increased production of ATP, and an increase in the ATP/ADP ratio; the increased ATP/ADP ratio leads to closing of the potassium channel and depolarization of the cell; and cell depolarization opens a calcium channel which leads to insulin secretion.
Which glucose transporter is constitutively expressed in β-cells?
GLUT 2 → has low substrate affinity (high Km) → low affinity for glucose → requires greater conc. of glucose to achieve maximal enzymatic activity
Function of insulin
It maintains blood glucose by
- Facilitating cellular glucose uptake
- Regulating carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism
- Promoting cell division and growth
How is insulin cleared from the body?
- About 50% of endogenous insulin is removed during first-pass
- The kidney is the major site of insulin clearance from the systemic circulation, removing about 50% of peripheral insulin via glomerular filtration and proximal tubular reabsorption and degradation.
Exogenous insulin is mainly cleared by the kidneys
When is insulin indicated for patients?
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Severe hyperglycaemia
- Glycemic targets were not reached with 2 or more oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAS)
- Insulin can be given alone or in combination with OHAs
Types of insulins
- Rapid-acting insulins
- Short-acting insulins
- Intermediate-acting insulins
- Long-acting insulins
- Ultra-long-acting insulins
Examples of rapid-acting insulins
Insuline Lispro
Insulin Aspart
Insulin Glulisine
Short duration of action → lower incidence of hypoglycaemia
Example of short-acting insulin
Regular human insulin
Hypoglycaemic risk with short-acting insulin
Greater hypoglycaemic risk than rapid acting insulin
Pharmacokinetics of short-acting insulin when injected IV
Acts almost instantly → in situations of hyperglycemic crisis or DKA
Example of intermediate-acting insulin
Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH)
Hypoglycaemic risk with NPH
High risk due to
- High intra and inter patient variability of NPH action
- Long peak effect. NPH insulin acts as a basal and a prandial insulin, necessitating that patients eat a meal at the time the insulin is peaking.
Examples of long-acting insulin analogues
- Insulin Glargine
2. Insulin Detemir
Which insulins cannot be mixed with any other insulin in a single syringe
Insulin Glargine and Insulin Detemir
Example of an ultra-long-acting insulin
Insulin Degludec
How is insulin administered
- SC injection
- IV → emergency
- IM → not recommended
- Nasal
Factor influencing PK of insulin
- Site of injection
- Depth of injection
- Larger volumes can delay absorption
- Exercise
- Massage of injection site (Heat)
How does stressful situations (acute infection) and corticosteroids affect insulin demand?
Stressful situations and corticosteroids → increase in blood glucose levels → hyperglycaemia → insulin levels may need to be increased
Adverse effects of insulin
- Hypoglycaemia → dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, sweating
- Lipodystrophy