Drugs used in the management of Diabetes Mellitus Flashcards
Which glucose transporter is found at the pancreatic beta cells?
GLUT 2
How does an increase in glucose level stimulate insulin release?
Increased intracellular glucose leads to increased production of ATP, and an increase in the ATP/ADP ratio (1); the increased ATP/ADP ratio leads to closing of the potassium channels and depolarization of the cell (2); and cell depolarization opens voltage gated calcium channels (3) which leads to exocytosis of insulin containing vesicles(4).
How does insulin regulate blood glucose levels?
1.Facilitating cellular glucose uptake, 2.Regulating carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism (How?) and 3.Promoting cell division and growth
How is exogenous insulin mainly cleared?
Kidneys
When is insulin therapy indicated?
In all Type 1 diabetes patients, and in
Type 2 diabetes patients with
1. Severe hyperglycaemia or
2. When glycemic targets are not reached with 2 or more oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs)
What are the main types of insulins?
Rapid acting, short acting, intermediate acting and long acting
Degludec can be called ultra long acting
Which of the insulin types has the longest peak duration of action?
NPH (Intermediate acting insulin)
Which of the insulins are commonly used in an emergency to rapidly lower blood glucose levels?
Short acting regular human insulin
Note: It is administered intravenously
Which of the insulins have the highest risk for hypoglycaemia?
NPH (Intermediate acting insulin)
Which insulins cannot be mixed with any other insulin in a single syringe?
Glargine, detemir
What adverse effects are associated with insulin use?
Hypoglycaemia and lipodystrophy
How is insulin commonly administered?
Subcutaneous injection
What factors affect the absorption of insulin?
Site of injection, Depth of injection, Volume and concentration of the dose injected, exercise, heat (e.g. sitting in a sauna), massage of insulin site
How does corticosteroids or an acute infection affect insulin demands?
It is likely to increase insulin demands as it can cause an increase in blood glucose levels (likely due to insulin resistance)
Which oral hypoglycaemic agent is commonly used as the first line of treatment in the absence of any contraindications?
Metformin
What is metformin’s mechanism of action?
Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, increases the density of insulin receptors at the tissues and reduces intestinal glucose absorption
What factors could contraindicate the use of metformin?
Renal dysfunction, lactic acidosis, hepatic dysfunction