Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Systems: Drugs Acting on the Endocrine System

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to the Endocrine System and its treatment options for diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1 DM)

A chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta-cells in the pancreas.

Autoimmune attack

The process in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells, such as insulin-producing beta-cells.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of diseases that result in high blood sugar (too much glucose in the blood) due to insulin production issues.

Polyuria

Frequent urination, a symptom often associated with diabetes.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst, a common symptom of diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A life-threatening emergency resulting from insufficient insulin, leading to the accumulation of acids called ketones.

Insulin therapy

A treatment for diabetes that involves the administration of insulin to control blood glucose levels.

Metformin

An oral antidiabetic medication that decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity, commonly used in Type 2 DM.

Insulin resistance

A condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin effectively, leading to increased blood glucose levels.

Biguanides

A class of antidiabetic agents that includes metformin, acting to lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.

Sulfonylureas

A class of oral hypoglycemic agents that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

A class of antidiabetic medications that improve insulin sensitivity, with examples including Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone.

DPP-4 inhibitors

A class of drugs that prolong incretin activity, enhancing insulin release and suppressing glucagon.

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Medications that mimic incretin hormones, slowing gastric emptying and promoting feelings of fullness.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1 DM)

A chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta-cells in the pancreas.

Autoimmune attack

The process in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells, such as insulin-producing beta-cells.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of diseases that result in high blood sugar (too much glucose in the blood) due to insulin production issues.

Polyuria

Frequent urination, a symptom often associated with diabetes.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst, a common symptom of diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A life-threatening emergency resulting from insufficient insulin, leading to the accumulation of acids called ketones.

Insulin therapy

A treatment for diabetes that involves the administration of insulin to control blood glucose levels.

Metformin

An oral antidiabetic medication that decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity, commonly used in Type 2 DM.

Insulin resistance

A condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin effectively, leading to increased blood glucose levels.

Biguanides

A class of antidiabetic agents that includes metformin, acting to lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.

Sulfonylureas

A class of oral hypoglycemic agents that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

A class of antidiabetic medications that improve insulin sensitivity, with examples including Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone.

DPP-4 inhibitors

A class of drugs that prolong incretin activity, enhancing insulin release and suppressing glucagon.

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Medications that mimic incretin hormones, slowing gastric emptying and promoting feelings of fullness.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2 DM)

A chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production by the pancreas, often associated with lifestyle factors.

Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who have not previously had diabetes.

Hyperglycemia

A condition in which an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the blood plasma.

Hypoglycemia

A condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are lower than normal.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels, counteracting the effects of insulin.