Diabetes mellitus

Question 1

Metformin is a drug from a group called the biguanide. What are its three main actions for controlling blood glucose?

Answer 1

1. It reduces the level of gluconeogenesis in the liver.
2. It increasing the sensitivity of skeletal muscle cells to insulin, resulting in increased peripheral uptake of glucose.
3. It slows the movement of glucose from food in the GI tract.

Question 2

Sulfonylureas are a category of drug used in the management of DM, with what principle action?

Answer 2

Promoting the increased production of insulin by beta cells in the pancreas. Close blood glucose monitoring is required to guard against the risk of hypoglycemia.