Vascular Benefits and Hypoglycemia in Sulfonylureas

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to vascular benefits and hypoglycemia associated with sulfonylureas like glimepiride and glyburide.

Glimepiride

The most recent sulfonylurea that exerts beneficial effects regarding ischemic preconditioning.

Hypoglycemia

A condition of abnormally low blood sugar (glucose) levels.

Ischemic Preconditioning

A physiological response that involves reflex vasodilation to subsequent ischemic episodes.

Glyburide

A second-generation sulfonylurea associated with reduced reflex vasodilation compared to glimepiride.

Physiological response

The body's automatic response to internal changes, such as reflex vasodilation during ischemia.

Glucagon

A counter-regulatory hormone that increases blood sugar levels, which is reduced by glyburide during hypoglycemia.

Endogenous insulin secretion

Insulin produced naturally by the pancreas, which is inhibited by certain medications.

Counter-regulatory response

The body's mechanism that counteracts low blood sugar levels, which is preserved during glimepiride therapy.

Hypoglycemia frequency

The occurrence rate of hypoglycemia in users of sulfonylureas, with glimepiride resulting in lower rates than glyburide.

Physiological basis

The underlying biological mechanisms that explain observed differences in drug effects.