Diabetes

Question 1

What is the target, location and effect of metformin?

Answer 1

Target: activates AMP activated protein kinase
Location: hepatocyte mitochondria
Effect: decreased gluconeogenesis

Question 2

What is the target, location and effect of DPP-4 inhibitors? e.g. sitagliptin

Answer 2

Target: blocks DPP-4 enzyme
Location: vascular endothelium
Effect: increased plasma incretin levels

Question 3

What is the target, location and effect of sulphonylureas? e.g. gliclazide

Answer 3

Target: inhibits K-ATP channels
Location: pancreatic beta cells
Effect: increased Ca+ influx and vesicle exocytosis of insulin

Question 4

What is the target, location and effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors? e.g. dapaglifozin

Answer 4

Target: sodium-glucose co-transporter 2
Location: proximal convoluted tubule
Effect: reduces glucose reabsorption

Question 5

What are the side effects of sulphonylureas?

Answer 5

Weight gain
Hypoglycaemia

Question 6

What are the side effects of metformin?

Answer 6

GI effects e.g. abdo pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting

Question 7

What are the side effects of DPP-4 inhibitors?

Answer 7

Upper respiratory tract infections

Question 8

What are the side effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors?

Answer 8

UTIs
Worsen DKA (stop immediately)

Question 9

What are the side effects of pioglitazone?

Answer 9

Heart failure