Oral diabetes drugs help manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose through different mechanisms. This lesson introduces the main treatment principles and focuses on sulfonylureas, which stimulate insulin release from functioning pancreatic beta cells.
Oral diabetes drugs are used to treat type 2 diabetes. They are ineffective in type 1 diabetes because pancreatic beta cells are not functioning well enough to provide the insulin response these medicines rely on. Depending on the drug class, treatment may stimulate insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity, slow carbohydrate absorption, or alter glucose release from the liver.
All flashcards
Why are oral diabetes drugs generally ineffective for type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes lacks enough functioning pancreatic beta cells to provide the insulin response these medicines rely on.
How can beta blockers affect hypoglycemia recognition in someone taking a sulfonylurea?
They may mask early signs such as tachycardia and tremor; nonselective beta blockers may also interfere with the body's response to low glucose.
What is lactic acidosis in the context of metformin safety?
A rare, potentially severe complication in which lactic acid production exceeds the body's ability to clear it.
How do thiazolidinediones lower blood glucose?
They decrease insulin resistance and improve the body's response to insulin.
What urinary effects can occur with SGLT2 inhibitors?
They increase urinary glucose excretion and urination, and may be associated with dehydration or urinary and genital infections.
Quiz questions
Which combination of effects describes metformin's main actions in type 2 diabetes?Answer: It reduces liver glucose production, decreases intestinal glucose absorption, and improves insulin sensitivity.
How do alpha-glucosidase inhibitors reduce the rise in blood glucose after meals?Answer: They inhibit digestive enzymes, delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
When are meglitinides such as repaglinide generally taken in relation to meals?Answer: Shortly before meals, generally within 1–30 minutes.
How do SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood glucose?Answer: They block kidney glucose reabsorption, increasing the amount of glucose excreted in urine.
How does diazoxide treat hypoglycemia associated with hyperinsulinemia?Answer: It opens potassium channels in beta-cell membranes and inhibits insulin release.
Based on Pharmacology for Nurses by Tina Barbour-Taylor, Leah Mueller (Sabato), Donna Paris, Dorie Weaver (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.