9. Diabetes mellitus Flashcards
What increases secretion of insulin?
- ↑glucose
- incretins (GLP-1, GIP)
- glucagon
- parasympathetic activity (M3)
What decreases secretion of insulin?
- ↓glucose
- cortisol
- sympathetic activity (α2)
What is the role of insulin?
- ↓hepatic glucose output via inhibition of gluconeogenesis
- Inhibits glycogenolysis
- Promotes uptake of fats
describe insulin regulation
- Secreted into blood even during fasting – prevents receptor downregulation
- Rate and extent of [glucose] change leads to biphasic pattern of insulin release
what are the symptoms of diabetes?
- polyuria – waking in the night is common
- polydipsia
- weight loss
- fatigue/lethargy
- generalised weakness
- blurred vision
How is diagnosis of diabetes made?
- Hyperglycaemia – fasting glucose ≥ 6.9 mmol/L or random plasma glucose ≥ 11 mmol/L
- Plasma or urine ketones in presence of hyperglycaemia
- HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%)
- Single raised plasma glucose without symptoms not sufficient for diagnosis
Glucose vs HbA1c
• Glucose – immediate measure of glucose levels in blood mmol/L (mg/dL – USA)
• HbA1c – haemoglobin A1c – glycated haemoglobin - percentage of red blood cells with “sugar
coating” – reflects average blood sugar over last 10-12 weeks – mmol/mol or %
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
- Obesity - 80-85% of risk
- Family history
- Ethnicity
- Diet
- Drugs - thiazides/thiazide-like, glucocorticoids and β-blocker
- Low birth weight?
WHat is the triad with DKA?
Hyperglycaemia, Acidosis, Ketonaemia
When might you suspect DKA?
*blood glucose >11 mmol/L AND…..
polydypsia, polyuria, abdominal pain, V+D, lethargy, confusion, visual disturbance, acetonic breadth, symptoms of shock
*Hyperglycaemia may not always be present
what are precipitating factors of DKA?
infection, trauma, non adherence to insulin treatment, DDIs
what should be tested for in DKA?
Test for ketones – urine and or blood
What is the priority when treating DKA?
i.v.i. fluids (with K+) and then i.v.i. soluble insulin
initial SBP and [K+] dictate precise treatment regimen
How must insulin be given and why?
Must be given parenterally to avoid digestion in the gut - as it is a protein
where is insulin usually obtained from?
- Historically bovine and porcine
* now Human insulin - recombinant DNA (bacteria/yeast) or enzymatic modification of porcine
How is insulin usually formulated?
Usually formulated in 100 units/mL
obesity and insulin resistance
300 and 500 units/mL available to reduce volume
How is insulin usually administered?
- Routine delivery by s.c. injection upper arms, thighs, buttocks, abdomen
- i.v.i. for emergency treatment
What is the half life of insulin and where is it metabolised and eliminated?
t1/2 - ~ 5 minutes in plasma - renal and hepatic metabolism and elimination
what are ways in which insulin preparations can be made to slow absorption?
- Protamine and/or zinc complex with natural (bovine/porcine) insulins – used less now
- Soluble (neutral) insulin forms hexamers – delaying absorption from site of injection [plasma] greatest after 2-3 hr – dosing 15-30 min prior to meals often prescribed
- Insulin analogues – recombinant modifications – a few amino acid changes – changes PK not PD
Why is it important to rotate site of administration?
Avoid lipodystrophy
Give an example of rapid acting insulin.
Insulin aspart
Give examples of short acting insulin.
Soluble insulin - Humulin S, Actrapid
Give an example of intermediate acting insulin.
Isophane insulin (NPH)
Give an example of long acting insulin.
Insulin glargine