Agents to Control Blood Glucose Levels

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to agents controlling blood glucose levels and diabetes management.

Insulin

Hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by alpha cells in the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Characterized by absolute deficiency of insulin, usually with rapid onset.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, usually with slow onset.

Hyperglycemia

Increased blood sugar levels.

Glycosuria

Presence of sugar in the urine.

Polyuria

Increased urination.

Polydipsia

Increased thirst.

Polyphagia

Increased hunger.

Lipolysis

Breakdown of fats.

Acidosis

Condition in which the blood has an excess of acid.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by high blood glucose, ketones in urine, and fruity-smelling breath.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome

A complication of Type 2 DM characterized by exceptionally high blood glucose and minimal urine ketones.

Insulin Lispro

A rapid-acting insulin used to control blood sugar during meals.

Regular Insulin

Short-acting insulin that is effective for controlling blood sugar levels.

NPH Insulin

An intermediate-acting insulin that covers blood sugar levels for a longer duration.

Glargine Insulin

Long-acting insulin that provides a steady level of insulin.

Biguanides

A class of drugs, including metformin, used to lower glucose production in the liver.

Sulfonylureas

Drugs that stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, used to treat Type 2 DM.

Meglitinides

Drugs that stimulate rapid insulin release, taken with meals.

Thiazolidinediones

Drugs that increase insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat cells.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

Drugs that delay carbohydrate metabolism.

DPP IV Inhibitors

Drugs that increase the incretin effect to improve insulin release post-meal.

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Drugs that mimic incretin and enhance insulin secretion.

SGLT2 inhibitors

Drugs that reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys.

Lipodystrophy

Loss or distortion of subcutaneous fat due to insulin injection.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Nursing Considerations

Evaluate the patient's history, vital signs, and glucose levels before administering medications.

Assessment for diabetes drugs

Monitor blood glucose levels and ensure patient has the ability to consume food.

Contraindications for biguanides (metformin)

Renal dysfunction, metabolic acidosis, and other conditions increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.

Adverse effects of Sulfonylureas

Hypoglycemia, weight gain, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Signs of Hypoglycemia

TIRED: Tachycardia, Irritability, Restlessness, Excessive hunger, Diaphoresis.

Signs of Hyperglycemia

Hot and dry; indicative of high blood sugar.

Patient Education for Diabetes Management

Educate about disease process, diet, exercise recommendations, and self-administration of insulin.

Glycemic control

The management of blood sugar levels within target ranges to prevent complications.