Diabtes Mellitus Flashcards
Which hormones promote insulin release after eating?
State the half life of insulin
- Incretins (GLP-1, GIP)
- 5mins
Why is Insulin secreted into blood even during fasting?
To prevent receptor downregulation
List the 3 characteristic features of Type 1 DM
List 3 others
- Weight loss
- Polydipsia
- Polyuria
- Fatigue/ lethargy
- General weakness
- Blurred vision
What are the 2 plasma glucose requirements for classification of hyperglycaemia
Fasting plasma glucose: 6.9mM or higher
Random plasma glucose: 11mM or higher
(HbA1c: 6.5% or higher)
(Can’t diagnose diabetes with a single raised plasma glucose reading WITHOUT symptoms)
How do Glucose and HbA1c readings differ?
Glucose: Immediate measure of glucose in blood
HbA1c: % of RBCs with a ‘sugar coating’, reflects average blood sugar over last 10-12 weeks
Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a triad of what 3 signs?
More common in Type 1 DM
- Hyperglycaemia (may not be present)
- Ketonaemia (Urine or Blood)
- Acidosis
How do you treat DKA?
IV fluids with K+, then IV insulin
Why can’t Insulin be given Orally?
How is it given routinely?
Is a protein, so would be digested in gut
Subcutaneous (IV if in emergency)
List 3 possible preparations of Insulin
- 100 units/ ml
- 300 units/ ml
- 500 units/ml
(Latter 2 were created due to obesity and insulin resistance)
State 2 types of Natural insulins
- Bovine
- Porcine
What are 3 methods of slowing Insulin absorption?
- Addition of a Protamine/ Zinc complex with NATURAL insulins
- Use of Insulin analogues (a few amino acid changes, no change to Pharmcodyanmics)
- Use of Soluble/ Neutral insulin;
- Forms hexamers, so delayed absorption
When is [plasma] greatest after giving Soluble Insulins?
When are they often prescribed?
After 2-3 hours
15-30 mins before meals
List 2 examples of Insulin Analogues
Compare their;
- Onset of action
- Duration
- Class (rapid/ short/ long etc)
Insulin aspart;
- OoA: 10-20 mins
- D: 3-5hrs
- Rapid
Insulin glargine;
- OoA: 60-90 mins
- D: 20-24 hrs
- Long
For Soluble Insulin, list the;
- Onset of Action
- Duration
- Class
OoA: 30-60 mins
D: 5-8 hrs
Class: Short
For NPH (Isophane insulin), list the;
- Onset of Action
- Duration
- Class
OoA: 60-120 mins
D: 18-24 hrs
Class: Intermediate
Insulin can be made in mixtures of Long and Short acting, so combinations are often prescribed by Brand name.
Suggest and describe a dosing regimen that’s often used in young patients with Type 1 DM
Basal-Bolus dosing;
Mix of Rapid acting bolus and Long acting basal insulin throughout the day
E.g 3 Boluses before meals + 2 Basal injections
Suggest 2 ADRs of Insulin therapy
- Hypoglycaemia
- Lipodystrophy (Lipohypertrophy or Lipoatrophy)
Suggest a contraindication of Insulin therapy
Renal impairment (risk of hypoglycaemia due to decreased Insulin clearance)
Suggest an important Drug-Drug Interaction (DDI) of Insulin
Dose needs increasing with systemic steroids (e.g cortisol)