Diabetes, Insulin, and Oral Hypoglycemic Agents

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to help students review key terms and concepts related to diabetes, insulin, and oral hypoglycemic agents.

Diabetes mellitus (DM)

A metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hyperlipidaemia, negative nitrogen balance, and sometimes ketonemia.

Type I Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with β cell destruction in pancreatic islets.

Type II Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with no loss or moderate reduction in β cell mass.

Insulin

A two-chain polypeptide hormone composed of 51 amino acids, crucial for glucose metabolism.

Insulin receptor

A receptor tyrosine kinase that responds to insulin, located on cell membranes.

Glycoprotein

A protein with carbohydrate chains attached, which insulin receptors are composed of.

IRS

Insulin receptor substrate, involved in transmitting insulin signals.

MAPK

Mitogen-activated protein kinase involved in cell signaling pathways.

GLUT

Glucose transporter proteins that facilitate glucose entry into cells.

GSK

Glycogen synthase kinase, an enzyme involved in glucose metabolism.

Muscle tissue response to insulin

Uptake of glucose for immediate use or storage as glycogen.

Liver response to insulin

Uptake of glucose and storage as glycogen to maintain energy balance.

Adipose tissue response to insulin

Promotes glucose uptake and conversion to fat.

Fat metabolism by insulin

Inhibits breakdown of triglycerides and promotes fat storage.

Triglycerides

Form of fat stored in the body, broken down when insulin is low.

Acidosis

A condition of increased acidity in the blood, can lead to severe health issues.

Regular insulin

Unmodified insulin stabilized with zinc, typically used in diabetes management.

Lente insulin

Intermediate-acting insulin made from a mixture of insulin and zinc.

Isophane insulin

NPH insulin, with a slow-release action derived from insulin-protamine complex.

Insulin glulisine

A rapid-acting insulin used for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

Insulin glargine

Long-acting insulin with a delayed onset but sustained effect over 24 hours.

Insulin detemir

Modified insulin providing duration similar to glargine, requires twice daily dosing.

Hypoglycemia

A condition of abnormally low blood sugar levels, often due to insulin use.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels, used as emergency treatment for hypoglycemia.

Beta blockers and insulin

Can prolong hypoglycemia when used together.

Thiazides

Diuretics that can increase blood sugar levels and reduce insulin effectiveness.

Sulfonylureas

Oral medications that stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas.

Meglitinides

Oral hypoglycemic agents that stimulate rapid insulin release.

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Injectable drugs that enhance insulin secretion and are used in diabetes treatment.

DPP-4 inhibitors

Oral medications that inhibit the enzyme DPP-4, prolonging GLP-1 action.

Biguanides

Oral hypoglycemic agents, like metformin, that do not directly cause insulin release.

Thiazolidinediones

Antidiabetic drugs that act as agonists for PPARγ receptors.

α-Glucosidase inhibitors

Medications that slow down carbohydrate absorption by inhibiting specific enzymes.

Acarbose

A carbohydrate-based drug that inhibits α-glucosidases, reducing postprandial glucose.

Pramlintide

Amylin analogue used to decrease postprandial glucose levels and improve glycemic control.

Bromocriptin

Dopamine-D2 receptor agonist with potential antidiabetic effects.

Dapagliflozin

SGLT-2 inhibitor that promotes excretion of glucose via urine.

Cimetidine

A drug that can interact with sulfonylureas and enhance their action.

Nausea

Common side effect of sulfonylureas, indicating gastrointestinal upset.

Hypersensitivity reactions

Possible adverse reactions to sulfonylureas, leading to immune responses.

Weight gain

A potential side effect associated with meglitinides and sulfonylureas.

Metallic taste

A common complaint in patients taking metformin, usually mild.

Abdominal pain

Frequent side effect associated with biguanides like metformin.

Kidney effects of DPP-4 inhibitors

DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin are metabolized in the kidney.

Adverse drug reactions

Unwanted or harmful effects resulting from the use of medications.

Nursing considerations

Sulfonylureas should not be administered to nursing mothers due to secretion in milk.

Glycemic control

Management of blood glucose levels within the target range.

Insulin resistance

Reduced sensitivity of cells to insulin, often seen in Type II diabetes.

Peripheral resistance

Resistance of body tissues to the effects of insulin.

Postprandial glycaemia

Blood sugar levels after eating, which can be managed by various medications.

Exercise effect on glucose

Enhanced uptake of glucose by muscles during physical activity.

Insulin secretion levels

Typically around 1U per hour under basal conditions.

Insulin action duration

Variation in duration based on insulin type and formulation.

KATP channel blockers

A category of drugs including sulfonylureas that impact insulin release.

Hypoglycemic agents

Medications that lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

Caloric restriction

A dietary strategy that can improve insulin sensitivity.

Endocrine system

System in the body responsible for hormone production and regulation.

Lipid metabolism

The process by which fats are processed and utilized in the body.

Blood glucose monitoring

Essential practice in diabetes management to prevent complications.

Glucose homeostasis

Maintenance of stable blood glucose levels within the body.

Amino acid metabolism

Process by which amino acids are utilized, can be affected by insulin.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen to glucose, inhibited by insulin.

Diabetes complications

Long-term effects such as neuropathy or retinopathy resulting from poor control.

Insulin therapy

Usage of insulin to manage diabetes and control blood sugar levels.

Sensing of blood glucose

Cellular mechanisms that detect and respond to glucose levels.

Fluid balance

Regulation of fluids in the body, which can be affected by diabetes.

Phospholipids

Lipids made from glycerol and fatty acids, involved in cell membrane structure.

Acetoacetic acid

A ketone body produced during fat metabolism, can build up in severe diabetes.

Patient monitoring

Critical for adjusting medications and managing diabetes effectively.

Diabetes risk factors

Includes obesity, family history, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet.

Age of onset for Type I DM

Typically occurs in childhood or adolescence.

Age of onset for Type II DM

Usually occurs in adulthood, often related to lifestyle factors.

Insulin pump therapy

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion method for diabetes management.

Continuous glucose monitoring

Technological method for tracking blood sugar levels in real-time.

Healthcare provider roles

Professionals involved in diabetes care and patient education.

Patient education

Teaching patients about diabetes management and treatment options.

Dietary modifications

Changes in diet recommended for better diabetes control.

Exercise recommendations

Guidelines for physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity.

Potential drug interactions

Interactions between medications that can affect diabetes treatment.

Patient-centered care

Approach focused on individual patient needs, preferences, and values.

Monitoring for hypoglycemia

Important for patients on insulin or sulfonylureas to prevent dangerous lows.

Sulfhydryl group

Chemical group associated with some insulin actions and modifications.

Chronic complications

Long-term issues from uncontrolled diabetes impacting organs and systems.

Preventive measures in diabetes

Strategies to avoid complications and improve quality of life.

Health maintenance in diabetes

Regular check-ups and screenings for managing diabetes effectively.