Diabetic Medications/Insulins

Question 1

Oral Hypoglycemics:
What medications are the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and what is their action?

Answer 1

Acarbose, Miglitol

Slows carbohydrate digestion (contraindicated in patients with intestinal disease)

Question 2

Oral Hypoglycemics: What medications are Biguanides, and what is their action?

Answer 2

Metformin
Reduces gluconeogenesis and makes muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin

Question 3

Oral Hypoglycemics: What medications are the Gliptins? What is their action?

Answer 3

Sitagliptin
Promotes release of insulin, lowers glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying

Contraindicated in impaired renal function

Question 4

Oral Hypoglycemics: What are the Meglitinides? What is their action?

Answer 4

Repaglinide, Nateglinide

Short acting to stimulate beta cells to release insulin

Question 5

Oral Hypoglycemics: What are the sulfonylureas? What is their action?

Answer 5

Glipizide, Glyburide

Stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas

Extreme risk of hypoglycemia/disulfrum like reaction with EtOH

Question 6

Oral Hypoglycemics: What are the Thiazolidinediones? What is their action?

Answer 6

Rsoiglitazone, Pioglitazone

Decreases cellular insulin resistance

Does exacerbate heart failure

Question 7

What is the onset, peak and duration of insulin lispro?

Answer 7

Rapid Acting
Onset: 15 to 30 minutes
Peak: 0.5-2.5 hr
Duration: 3 to 6 hours

Question 8

What is the onset, peak and duration of regular insulin?

Answer 8

Onset: 0.5 to 1hr
Peak: 1 to 5 hr
Duration: 6 to 10hr

Question 9

What is the onset, peak and duration of NPH insulin?

Answer 9

Onset: 1 to 2 hour
Peak: 6 to 14hr
Duration: 16 to 24 hr

Question 10

What is the onset, peak and duration of insulin glargine?

Answer 10

Onset: 70 minutes
Peak: none
Duration: 24 hours