Diabetes Medications - Vocabulary Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key concepts, terms, and definitions related to diabetes medications and management.

Diabetes

A metabolic disorder characterized by deficient insulin secretion or decreased sensitivity of insulin receptors.

Insulin

A hormone that transports glucose into cells, lowers blood glucose levels, and stores glucose as glycogen.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted when blood glucose levels decrease, stabilizing blood glucose levels between meals.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose levels.

Hypoglycemia

Blood glucose levels less than 70 mg/dL, leading to symptoms like weakness and confusion.

Biguanides

A class of diabetes medication that slows glucose production in the liver and decreases insulin resistance.

Thiazolidinediones

A class of diabetes medications that reduce blood glucose by decreasing insulin resistance.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors

Medications that promote glucose excretion in urine.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme inhibitors

A class of drugs that enhance incretin hormones to increase insulin production.

Sulfonylureas

A class of diabetes medications that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

Medications that mimic incretins to increase insulin secretion.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions increasing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance

When target cells do not respond effectively to insulin.

Hemoglobin A1c

A blood test measuring average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

Polyuria

Excessive urination, a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes.

Polydipsia

Increased thirst, often related to hyperglycemia.

Polypahgia

Increased hunger, commonly seen in patients with diabetes.

Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Also known as Type 1 Diabetes, where the body produces little or no insulin.

Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Refers to Type 2 Diabetes, usually characterized by insulin resistance.

Glycogen

A form of glucose stored in the liver and muscles.

Gluconeogenesis

The process of creating new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Carbohydrate Coverage

Calculating insulin doses based on carbohydrate intake.

Sliding Scale

A method of determining insulin doses based on current blood glucose levels.

Insulin Pen

A device used for administering insulin, usually pre-filled and easy to use.

Intranasal Glucagon

A form of glucagon delivery for reversing hypoglycemia.

Lipoatrophy

Fat loss at the insulin injection site.

Lipohypertrophy

The formation of fatty lumps at the injection site due to frequent insulin injections.

Fast-Acting Insulin

Insulin that starts working within minutes after injection.

Long-Acting Insulin

Insulin that provides a steady level of insulin over a longer period.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

The process of checking blood sugar levels regularly.

Patient Education

Information provided to patients about managing their diabetes and medications.

Dextrose 50%

A hyperglycemic agent administered to quickly raise blood glucose levels.

Traditional Insulin,

Types of insulin before newer forms were developed, including regular and NPH.

Oral Hypoglycemics

Medications taken by mouth to manage diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels.

Insulin Syringe

A needle-and-syringe combination used to inject insulin.

Continuous Glucose Monitor

A device allowing for real-time tracking of glucose levels.

Injection Sites

Locations on the body where insulin is injected, requiring rotation.

Diabetes Complications

Potential serious health issues resulting from uncontrolled diabetes.

Weight loss

A common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and insulin deficiency.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A serious complication from insulin deficiency resulting in high levels of ketones.

Insulin overdose

Taking too much insulin, leading to hypoglycemia.

Counterregulatory Hormones

Hormones that work against the effects of insulin to raise blood glucose levels.

Dietary Adjustments

Changes in eating habits necessary for managing diabetes.

Complications of insulin therapy

Possible side effects or adverse effects from insulin treatment.

Insulin Administration

The process and considerations for how insulin is given.

Insulin Storage

Proper methods of storing insulin to maintain effectiveness.

Insulin Pump

A device worn by patients to automatically deliver insulin.

15-15 Rule

A guideline for treating hypoglycemia by consuming 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates.

Insulin Glargine

A long-acting insulin type that does not have a peak.

Insulin Detemir

A long-acting insulin with a prolonged duration of action.

Insulin Aspart

A rapid-acting insulin that starts working immediately after injection.

Physical Activity

Exercise that can affect insulin sensitivity and glycemic control.

Insulin Titration

Adjusting insulin dose based on blood sugar monitoring.