Endocrine System Drugs Overview

Insulin and Diabetes

  • Insulin: Hormone from pancreatic beta cells, regulates glucose, protein, and fat metabolism.
  • Diabetes Types:
    • Type 1: Insufficient insulin produced.
    • Type 2: Insulin resistance; can develop from gestational diabetes.
  • Symptoms of Diabetes: Polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria.

Risk Factors and Management of Type 2 Diabetes

  • Risk Factors: Obesity, older age, family history, sedentary lifestyle, certain ethnicities.
  • Management: Diet, exercise, oral antidiabetic drugs, and possibly insulin.

Insulin Medication and Uses

  • Uses of Insulin: Replaces hormone in Type 1, supplements in Type 2, treats severe diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • Adverse Reactions: Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, cold clammy skin with low sugar, hot dry skin with high sugar.

Oral Antidiabetic Drugs

  • Types: Biguanides, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, TZDs, sulfonylureas.
  • Biguanides (e.g., Metformin): Sensitizes liver to insulin and reduces glucose absorption.
  • GLP-1 Agonists: Mimics incretin hormone and slows gastric emptying.
  • SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Reduces glucose reabsorption in kidneys.

Adrenocortical Hormones

  • Vasopressins: Regulates water reabsorption; used for diabetes insipidus.
  • Gonadotropins: Stimulates sex hormone secretion, induces ovulation, and sperm production.

Growth Hormone and Anabolic Steroids

  • Growth Hormone (Somatropin): Used for GH deficiency in children. Adverse effects include pain, insulin resistance.
  • Anabolic Steroids: Used for muscle growth; caution due to potential for abuse and adverse effects like liver damage and mental health issues.

Thyroid Hormones and Antithyroid Drugs

  • Thyroid Hormones: Increases metabolism, used in hypothyroid treatment with levothyroxine.
  • Antithyroid Drugs: Used in hyperthyroidism; adverse reactions may include agranulocytosis.

Uterine Drugs and Tocolytics

  • Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions, controls postpartum bleeding.
  • Tocolytics: Stop labor; used to prolong pregnancy for fetal maturity.
  • Contraindications for Tocolytics: Heart disease, poorly controlled diabetes, imminent delivery.

Monitoring and Patient Education

  • Blood Glucose Monitoring: Regular testing before meals and bedtime; HbA1c for long-term control.
  • Patient Education: Importance of medication adherence, recognizing signs of hypo/hyperglycemia, managing dietary needs, injection techniques for insulin.