Drug Therapy for Diabetes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to drug therapy for diabetes, providing definitions and explanations crucial for understanding the subject matter.

Pancreas

Located behind the stomach, it functions as both an exocrine and endocrine gland, producing hormones that regulate glucose homeostasis.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels, stimulates fat and protein synthesis, and promotes the shift of potassium and magnesium into cells.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

A group of progressive diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose levels; includes Type 1 and Type 2.

Polyuria

Excessive urination, commonly seen in patients with diabetes.

Glucagon

A hormone that works to raise blood glucose levels, often counteracting the effects of insulin.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, ketone production, and acidosis.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes that occurs due to lack of insulin production; requires exogenous insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The most common type of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and deficiency.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of comorbid conditions often associated with Type 2 Diabetes, including obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.

Insulin Lispro (Humalog)

A rapid-acting insulin with an onset of action within 5 to 15 minutes.

Metformin

The first-line oral medication for Type 2 Diabetes, it decreases glucose production by the liver and increases insulin sensitivity.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) Inhibitors

A class of oral antidiabetic drugs that work by delaying the breakdown of incretin hormones.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low blood glucose levels, characterized by symptoms such as confusion, sweating, and tremors.

Amylin agonists

Injectable drugs that mimic the hormone amylin, slowing gastric emptying and reducing hepatic glucose output.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

Drugs that delay glucose absorption in the intestine and do not cause hypoglycemia.