Diabetes medication Flashcards
What are the main types of diabetes medication?
- Metformin
- Sulphonylureas
- Thiazolidinedione
- Incretin drugs
- SGLT2 inhibitors
- Insulin
What is the first line medication used in treatment of T2DM?
Metformin
Describe the history of metformin
The French lilac (Goat’s root) was found to contain substances known as guanidine and biguanides
This was shown to have therapeutic affects in diabetes management
Dimethylbiguanide was then synthesised in 1922, which became metformin
What is the proposed mechanism of action of metformin?
- Inhibition of complex-1 of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
- Fall in cellular ATP
- Activation of AMP kinase
- Reduction in gluconeogenesis
- Reduction of BGC
How is metformin absorbed?
Organic cation transporters present in the intestines, liver and kidneys
How is metformin excreted?
Kidneys
What are some of the effects metformin has?
Increased GLP-1 secretion
Reduced gluconeogenesis
Reduced lipogenesis
Reduced inflammation
Suppression of macrophage formation
How does metformin affect weight?
It is weight neutral, and in some cases can be weight decreasing, making it desirable alongside lifestyle changes
How does metformin affect the cardiovascular system?
It may provide some cardiovascular benefit
What is the normal dose of metformin?
500mg BD, with a maximum dose of 2g per day
What are some side effects of of metformin?
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia
- Metallic taste in mouth
Why does metformin cause GI upset?
It is highly concentrated in the intestines and is a metabolic poison
What are ways in which metformin side effects can be minimised?
Build up dose
Use MR formulation
What is a possible complication of metformin use in acute kidney injury?
Metformin associated lactic acidosis (MALA)
How does metformin cause MALA?
Metformin increases lactate production which is normally cleared by the liver and kidneys
In acute kidney injury, sepsis or impaired liver clearance, lactate can build up, causing lactic acidosis
At what eGFR is metformin contraindicated?
<30ml/min
At what eGFR should maximum daily dose of metformin be dropped to 1g?
30-45ml/min
What drug is most commonly used as 2nd line in T2DM?
Sulfonylureas
Describe the history of sulfonylureas
These were discovered in the 1940s by French doctors treating war victims with sulphonamide antibiotics, which were shown to lower blood glucose
What are some examples of 1st generation sulphonylureas (Rarely used)?
- Tolbutamide
- Chlorpropamide
What are some examples of 2nd generation sulphonylureas?
- Gliclazide
- Glipizide
- Glimepiride
- Glibenclamide
Describe the structure of the K-ATP channels in the ß-cells
Contains 4x Kir6.2 subunits surrounded by 4x SUR1 subunits
Describe the MOA of sulfonylureas
- Bind to SUR1 of K-ATP channels in ß-cells
- Close K-ATP channels
- Cell depolarisation without ATP need
- Insulin release
What is the normal dosing of sulfonylureas?
40-80mg OD
How do sulfonylureas affect weight?
Cause weight gain - increase anabolism from insulin, which causes increase in carbohydrate storage and increase in hunger
What is a possible complication of sulfonylureas?
Hypoglycaemia
What are some factors that increase risk of hypoglycaemia in sulphonylurea usage?
- Increased age
- Diabetes duration
- Creatinine
- Lower HbA1c
How do sulphonylureas affect the cardiovascular system?
No affect (Some theory that they do but not proven)
What is the MOA of thiazolidinedione?
- Bind to PPAR-gamma ligands
- Activates PPAR-gamma genes
- Provides both beneficial and adverse effects, commonly in the liver epithelium and adipose tissue
What is the effect of thiazolidinediones on adipose tissue?
- Increased differentiation of pre-adipocytes to adipocytes to increase storage of free fatty acids, removing fats from the liver and muscle, therefore decreasing lipo-toxicity in these structures
- Increased release of adiponectin, which activates AMP Kinase in the liver, therefore decreasing gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis
How do thiazolidinediones affect the cardiovascular system?
Decreased CVD risk
Decreased BP
How do thiazolidinediones affect weight?
Cause weight gain - Increased fat mass and fluid retention
What is the only available TZD?
Pioglitazone