Anti-Diabetes Drug Mechanisms and Classifications

A comprehensive set of flashcards summarizing key terms, definitions, and concepts related to diabetes and its treatment as discussed in the lecture.

Diabetes mellitus (DM)

A metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia, glycosuria, and various vascular complications.

Hyperglycaemia

Elevated blood glucose levels, typically fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL.

Glycosuria

Presence of glucose in urine, usually due to excess blood glucose.

Type I Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin-dependent diabetes with β cell destruction, often autoimmune in nature.

Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Non-insulin dependent diabetes where insulin is present but the body is resistant to its effects.

Insulin

A peptide hormone synthesized in β cells, regulating glucose levels in the blood.

Hypoglycaemia

Abnormally low blood glucose levels, can cause symptoms like sweat and tremors.

Glycogen

A stored form of glucose in liver and muscle, regulated by insulin.

Glucose transporters (GLUT)

Proteins that facilitate the transport of glucose across cell membranes.

Sulfonylureas

A class of diabetes medications that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic cells.

Metformin

A biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

Drugs that improve insulin sensitivity but carry a risk of fluid retention.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Medications that delay carbohydrate absorption in the intestine.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors

A class of medications that increase incretin levels and enhance insulin secretion.

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Peptide analogs that stimulate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.

SGLT2 inhibitors

These drugs promote glucose excretion via the kidneys by inhibiting glucose reabsorption.

Incretins

Hormones from the gut that stimulate insulin secretion in response to meals.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen to glucose, inhibited by insulin.

Gluconeogenesis

The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, inhibited by insulin.

Ketosis

A metabolic state marked by raised levels of ketone bodies, occurs in uncontrolled diabetes.

Hyperlipidaemia

Elevated levels of lipids in the blood, commonly seen in diabetes mellitus.

Amylin

A hormone co-secreted with insulin that helps regulate glucose levels.

B-antagonists

Beta-blockers that can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Glucosamines

Compounds that can influence insulin sensitivity.

Chlorpropamide

An older sulfonylurea with a long half-life.

Hepatic gluconeogenesis

The metabolic process by which glucose is generated from non-carbohydrate substrates in the liver.

Insulin resistance

A condition where body cells fail to respond effectively to insulin.

Lactic acidosis

A serious metabolic condition that may occur with metformin use during renal impairment.

Adverse effects

Negative side effects associated with medications, varying by drug class.

Insulin sensitivity

The response of cells to insulin, pivotal in glucose management.

Peripheral tissues

Tissues throughout the body that respond to insulin for glucose uptake.

Polypeptide hormone

Type of signaling molecule that includes insulin among others.

Glucose-dependent insulin secretion

Insulin release that is triggered by the presence of glucose.

Syndrome X

Metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin resistance and other comorbidities.

Blood glucose monitoring

Routine checking of glucose levels to manage diabetes.

Acarbose

An alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Ketoacidosis

A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high ketones due to insufficient insulin.

Insulin therapy

Treatment regimen involving the administration of insulin to manage diabetes.

Genetic predisposition

An inherited susceptibility to develop a disease such as diabetes.

Pancreatic islets

Clusters of cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production.

Autophosphorylation

A process where insulin receptors phosphorylate themselves upon binding insulin.

Post-prandial hyperglycemia

Elevated blood sugar levels following a meal.

Neural mechanisms

The nervous system regulation influencing insulin secretion.

Dosage titration

Adjusting medication dosages based on glycemic control.

Obesity

A contributing factor to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

Basal-bolus regimen

A method of insulin delivery mimicking normal pancreatic output.

K+ ATP channels

Channels affected by ATP levels to regulate beta cell depolarization.

Dawn phenomenon

Early morning blood sugar rise due to hormonal changes.

Somogyi effect

Nocturnal hypoglycemia followed by rebound hyperglycemia.

Fasting glucose

Blood glucose level after an overnight fast.

Vascular complications

Complications in diabetes that involve blood vessels, leading to conditions like neuropathy.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Infections common among those taking SGLT2 inhibitors.

Weight gain

A common side effect of insulin therapy.

Genetic and environmental factors

The dual influences on the development of diabetes.

C-peptide

A peptide linked to the proinsulin molecule, used to measure endogenous insulin production.

Insulin analogs

Modified forms of insulin with altered pharmacokinetics.

Retinopathy

Visual impairment due to vascular damage in the retina from hyperglycemia.

Dawn phenomenon

Natural increase in blood sugar levels in the early morning.

Diabetic retinopathy

Eye damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar.

Carbohydrate metabolism

The process of converting sugars to energy.

Biphasic insulin preparations

Insulin mixtures with both rapid and long-acting properties.

Sodium ext{-}Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)

A transporter that reabsorbs glucose in the kidneys.

Acetyl-CoA

A substrate in metabolism derived from carbohydrates and fats.

P-glucose 2

Refers to the regulation and types of glucose in metabolism.

Endocrine function

The secretion of hormones into the bloodstream.

Incretin hormones

Hormones from the intestine that enhance insulin release.

Insulin resistance syndromes

Conditions characterized by ineffective use of insulin.

Monitoring renal function

Essential in patients receiving drugs like metformin.

Nutrition therapy

Dietary management crucial for diabetes control.

Hypoglycemia unawareness

The inability to recognize low blood sugar levels.

Type 1 Diabetes Management

Requires lifelong insulin therapy and monitoring.

Bedtime insulin

Insulin given at night to control blood sugar levels in the morning.

Insulin receptor

The binding site on target tissue cells that insulin interacts with.

Diabetic complications

Long-term effects diabetes has on various organ systems.

Blood glucose variability

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Carbohydrate counting

A dietary strategy for managing insulin and glucose levels.

Post-prandial targets

Blood glucose goals within 1-2 hours after meals.

Exercise

Increases insulin sensitivity and aids in glucose control.

Fasting state

Period without food intake affecting blood sugar levels.

Bioavailability

The proportion of a drug or nutrient that enters circulation.

Insulin pumps

Device that continuously delivers insulin subcutaneously.

Severe insulin resistance

Condition wherein high levels of insulin are required to maintain control.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)

Devices that track blood glucose levels in real-time.

Exacerbation

An increase in the severity of a disease or its symptoms.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins influenced by insulin.

Insulin pharmacokinetics

Study of how insulin is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.

Endocrine signaling

Hormonal communication affecting bodily functions.

Glucose toxicity

Cellular damage that occurs from chronic hyperglycemia.

Degradation

The breakdown of substances; insulin is degraded in the liver.

Insulin clearance

Rate at which insulin is removed from the bloodstream.

Non-pharmacological strategies

Lifestyle changes to manage and control diabetes.

Central obesity

Abdominal fat linked to insulin resistance.

β-adrenergic blockers

Drugs that may mask signs of hypoglycemia.

Post-prandial blood sugar control

Management of blood sugar spikes after eating.

Peripheral insulin receptors

Insulin target sites in muscle and fat tissues.

Altered drug metabolism

How drug interactions can affect insulin efficacy.

Diabetic neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood glucose.

Glycemic index

Measure of carbohydrate quality based on blood sugar response.

Double diabetes

A situation where one has both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes characteristics.

Risk factors for diabetes

Lifestyle and genetic factors that increase diabetes risk.