Endocrine System

Question 1

Blood glucose-reducing hormones

Answer 1

Insulin (secreted by beta cells from islets of langerhans)

MoA:
Stimulation of glucose uptake by cells.

Indication:
Type 1 and 2 DM

Side Effects:
Hypoglycaemia

Interactions:
Digoxin, beta-blockers

Question 2

Oral biguanide

Answer 2

Metformin

MoA:
Increases insulin sensitivity, inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis

Indication:
T2DM

Side Effects:
Nausea and vomiting

Interactions:
Diuretics, digoxin

Question 3

Sulphonylureas

Answer 3

Gliclazide

MoA:
Stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion

Indication:
T2DM

Side Effects:
Hypoglycaemia

Interactions:
Warfarin, NSAIDs

Question 4

Thiazolidinediones

Answer 4

Pioglitazone

MoA:
Increases insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue

Indication:
T2DM

Side Effects:
Weight gain

Question 5

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonist

Answer 5

Exenatide

MoA:
incretin analogue - improves incretins

Indication:
T2DM

Side Effects:
Asthenia

Question 6

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor

Answer 6

Sitagliptin

MoA:
Reduces inactivation of incretins

Indication:
T2DM

Side Effects:
Headache

Question 7

Lipase inhibitor

Answer 7

Orlistat

MoA:
Inhibition of GI uptake of dietary fat

Indication:
Obesity, especially in presence of T2DM

Side Effects:
Oily stools, faecal urgency

Question 8

Thyroid Hormones

Answer 8

Levothyroxine sodium (T4)
Liothyronine sodium (T3)

MoA:
Synthetic hormones

Indication:
Hypothyroidism

Side Effects:
Diarrhoea, vomiting

Interactions:
Oral anti-coagulants