Week 3 - DIABETES DRUGS

Question 1

Give an example of a short acting insulin analogue

Answer 1

Novorapid
Humulin S
Actrapid

Question 2

Give an example of a long acting insulin analogue and describe its pharmacokinetics.

Answer 2

Insulin Glargine - given to maintain basal level of insulin
Given OD in the morning.
SC administration: onset at 2hrs
Peak concentration at 6-8hrs and duration of 24 hours

Question 3

Give an example of a sulphonylurea?
State the reason it is now no longer the first line drug of choice for DM2.
Give ADRs of sulphonylureas

Answer 3

Gliclazide
Causes weight gain and most diabetics are already overweight
ADRs: weight gain, hypoglycaemia, N+V, hepatic dysfunction

Question 4

How does acarbose work?

Answer 4

It is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and therefore works by inhibiting this enzyme in the intestine thus decreasing carbohydrate metabolism

Question 5

Which diabetic drug should not be given to patients with a family history of bladder cancer?

Answer 5

Rosiglatazone (no longer in use) and pioglatizone
Both are thiazolidinediones
Linked to increased risk of bladder Ca and HF

Question 6

Which diabetes drug binds to the insulin receptor in a similar fashion to sulphonylureas but at a different site?

Answer 6

Meglitinides (Glinides)
E.g. Repaglinide and Nateglinide
Both rapid acting and useful before meals

Question 7

Name a type 2diabetes drug that is given subcutaneously.

Answer 7

GLP1 analogues