Diabetic drugs Flashcards
Council on Metformin:
Lowers blood sugar level by increasing the bodies sensitivity to insulin. It reduces weight gain and lowers the risk of diabetic complications such as heart attack.
A tablet you take once or twice a day with a full glass of water
S/E: Nausea, vomiting, Diarrhoea, reduced appetite
Risk: - Lactic acidosis - vomiting, stomach ache, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, severe tiredness
- Always tell doctors before having an x-ray or operation as it may need to be stopped
Monitored using HbA1c - target 48mmol
If above 58mmol then add sulphonylureas e.g. Gliclazide
Council on Sulphonylureas:
e.g.. Gliclazide, Glimepiride
Lowers blood sugar level by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.
A tablet to be taken once or twice daily with food
S/E: weight gain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
Risk: Hypoglyceamia - look out for dizziness, nausea, sweating and confusion.
Take something sugary, then something starchy and seek medical help if symptoms return.
Monitored using HbA1c - target 53mmol as risk of hypo
Council on Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors:
e.g..Dapagliflozin, Canagliflozin, Empagliflozin
Lowers blood sugar levels by stopping the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose as they make urine. Glucose is then secreted in the urine. This also helps with weight loss
S/E: Urinate more, More likely to get a UTI
Risk: Hypogylceamia - - look out for dizziness, nausea, sweating and confusion.
Take something sugary, then something starchy and seek medical help if symptoms return.
Monitored using HbA1c - target 53mmol as risk of hypo
Council on DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins):
e.g.. Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin, Saxagliptin
Lowers the blood sugar by preventing the break down of gut hormones called Incretins. Incretins help stimulate the production of insulin and stop the release of more sugar into the blood by the liver. They also slow down digestion and decrease appetite.
S/E: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
flu-like symptoms – headache, runny nose, sore throat
skin reactions – if severe and SOB - call for help
Risk: Pancreatitis - severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting - call for medical help.
Monitored using HbA1c - target 53mmol as risk of hypo
Council on Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones):
e.g. Pioglitazone
Lowers blood sugar levels by reduceing the body’s resistance to insulin. Glitazones also help lower blood pressure and improve lipid levels.
S/E: Leg swelling, blurry vision and weight gain
Risk: Heart failure, increase risk of bone fractures
Hypogylceamia - - look out for dizziness, nausea, sweating and confusion.
Monitored using HbA1c - target 53mmol as risk of hypo
Council on GLP-1 Agonists:
e.g. Exenatide, Liraglutide
Lowers blood sugar levels by mimicking the natural incretin hormones in your body. It stimulates the release of insulin, stops the release of sugar into the blood by the liver and reduces the speed at which the stomach empties after eating, making you feel more satisfied after a meal.
S/E: nausea, vomiting diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness
Risk: Hypogylceamia - - look out for dizziness, nausea, sweating and confusion.
Monitored using HbA1c - target 53mmol as risk of hypo
