Endocrine Flashcards
Insulins: Indications
Type 1 DM
Type 2 DM when oral control has failed
With Glucose to treat hyperkalaemia
Insulins: Mechanism of Action
Stimulates glucose uptake from circulation and drives K+ into cells
Rapid acting: novorapid, insulin aspart
Short acting: actrapid, soluble insulin
Intermediate acting: humulin, isophane insulin
Long acting: insulin glargine
Insulins: ADRs
Hypoglycaemia, can be serious enough to cause coma to death
Lipid hypertrophy at SC injection site
Insulins: Warnings and Interactions
Caution in renal failure as insulin clearance is reduced so increased risk of hypoglycaemia
Risk of hypoglycaemia is also increased with oral hypoglycaemic agents
Insulins: Prescribing
Diabetes is generally self administration SC
For emergencies, IV actrapid
MONITORING by HbA1c
Sulfonylureas (Glicazide): Indications
Type 2 DM: single agent when metformin is not tolerated or in combination with metformin
Sulfonylureas (Glicazide): Mechanism of Action
Stimulates pancreatic B cell insulin secretion. They block K+ channels to depolarise the membrane and opening of VG Ca2+ channels.
Sulfonylureas (Glicazide): ADRs
GI upset (N/V/D/C), hypoglycaemia, hypersensitivity is rare (causes hepatic failure)
Sulfonylureas (Glicazide): Warnings and Interactions
Metabolised by liver and excreted really, so caution in hepatic or renal failure
Caution in those at risk of hypoglycaemia e.g. hepatic impairment or adrenal insufficiency
Risk of hypoglycaemia with other oral hypoglycaemic dugs.
Efficacy decreased by glucose elevating drugs e.g. prednisone
Sulfonylureas (Glicazide): Prescription
They are a long term treatment
Monitor HbA1c
Metformin <3: Indications
First choice for Type 2 DM
Metformin <3: Mechanism of Action
Increases sensitivity to insulin, suppresses hepatic gluconeogensis, increase glucose uptake
Fortunately, the exact mechanism is understood
Causes weight loss
Metformin <3: Warnings and Interactions
IT DOES NOT CAUSE HYPOGLYCAEMIA
However it is excreted unchanged by the kidneys so is contraindicated in renal failure, AKI, shock or anything that might even think about damaging the kidneys (NSAIDs)
Prednisone opposes its action
Metformin <3: ADRs
GI upset, lactic acidosis is rare but dangerous and can be precipitated by alcohol
Metformin <3: Prescription
Assess by HbA1c
Measure renal function at least annually
Withhold 48hr before X-Ray contrast agents