Overview of Antidiabetic Medications and Insulin Therapy

Antidiabetic drugs

Medications primarily used to control diabetes mellitus.

Insulin

Protein from pancreas essential for carbohydrate metabolism.

PO hypoglycemic drugs

Synthetic drugs that stimulate insulin release.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Condition caused by insufficient insulin secretion.

Polyuria

Excessive urination due to high blood glucose.

Polydipsia

Increased thirst associated with diabetes.

Polyphagia

Increased hunger due to insulin deficiency.

FSBG

Finger Stick blood sugar, normal range 70-99 mg/dL.

HbA1c

Reflects average glucose level over three months.

Insulin syringes

Marked in units for accurate insulin dosing.

Rapid-acting insulins

Administer within 10-15 minutes before meals.

Short-acting insulin

Onset 30 min, duration 4-12 hours.

Intermediate-acting insulin

Onset 1-2 hours, duration 14-24 hours.

Long-acting insulin

Onset 1-1.5 hours, lasts 24 hours.

Combination insulins

Premixed insulins for convenience in dosing.

Sliding scale coverage

Insulin dosage based on blood glucose levels.

Somogyi effect

Hypoglycemia followed by rebound hyperglycemia.

Dawn phenomenon

Morning hyperglycemia upon waking.

Sulfonyureas

Stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.

Biguanide

Metformin decreases glucose production and absorption.

Thiazolidinediones

Decrease insulin resistance, improve blood glucose control.

Incretin modifiers

Increase incretin hormones to enhance insulin secretion.

Incretin mimetics

Mimic incretin hormones to regulate glucose levels.

Hypoglycemia treatment

Diazoxide increases blood glucose by inhibiting insulin.