Metabolic Diseases & Drugs

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to metabolic diseases and their pharmacological interventions.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the common cellular currency of energy.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions including obesity, hypertension, and elevated blood glucose.

Hyperglycaemia

Elevated blood glucose levels.

Insulin Resistance

Decreased sensitivity of cells to insulin leading to high blood glucose.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the build-up of fat plaques in artery walls.

BMI

Body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, typically defined as sustained readings over 140/90 mmHg.

Myocardial Infarction

Heart attack; a condition of decreased blood flow to a part of the heart.

Cardiovascular Disorders

Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including hypertension and heart attacks.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions.

HDL

High density lipoproteins, often referred to as 'good' cholesterol.

LDL

Low density lipoproteins, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol.

Lipids

Fat molecules in the body, which include triglycerides and cholesterol.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.

Diabetes Type 1

Insulin-dependent diabetes where the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.

Diabetes Type 2

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes that is often diet and lifestyle-related.

Glucotoxicity

Toxicity caused by elevated levels of glucose in the body.

Metformin

An anti-diabetic medication that increases insulin sensitivity and decreases glucose production.

Glipizide

A sulfonylurea drug that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas.

Sitagliptin

A DPP-4 inhibitor that increases insulin release and decreases glucose production.

Atorvastatin

A statin that inhibits HMG CoA reductase, decreasing cholesterol synthesis.

Ezetimibe

A medication that inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Medications that decrease the force of heart contraction and dilate arteries.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside that increases the force of heart contractions.

Nitroglycerin

A vasodilator used for treating angina and congestive heart failure.

Proprotein Convertase

An enzyme involved in the processing of proteins such as insulin.

Angina

Chest pain caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor

A class of drugs that prolongs the action of incretin hormones to increase insulin secretion.

Cholesterol

A waxy substance found in the body that is necessary for producing hormones and building cells.

Incretins

Hormones that boost insulin release following meals.

ACE Inhibitor

A drug that blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme, lowering blood pressure.