Diabetes Management and Therapeutics Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 4 aims of blood glucose Mx in diabetes?

A

Relieve symptoms

Prevent or delay long term complications

Avoid adverse effects of treatment (esp hypoglycaemia)

Assist psychological adjustment and improve QOL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the effect of intensive glycaemic control (HbA1c less than 6.5%) of long term diabetic complications?

A

Reduces complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy and CVD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What were the implications of the DCCT-EDIC study?

A

Good glycaemic control leads to reduced complications years later (legacy effect)

Also shown in a T2DM study SO we should aim for very good control early in the course of DM (first decade)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the potential hazards of intensive glycaemic control, as illustrated by the ACCORD trial?

A

Increased mortality in intensive group

Cause not clear but hypoglycaemia may have been a factor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Taking into account both the DCCT-EDIC and ACCORD study, what should we aim for with DM Mx as reflected by the HbA1c?

A

Aggressive treatment needs to be balanced against individual risk of hypoglycaemia (lower target in young people with short duration DM, higher target in older people or those with multiple medical problems where hypoglycaemia poses a risk)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Jane Smith, 23 years old, developed T1DM 4 years ago

Has recently moved to continue her studies and has come to you for assessment and advice

Ms Smith has had regular eye check and reports “all clear”

O/E: no evidence of complications

Rx: novomix (30% insulin aspart, 70% NPH insulin), 20U before breakfast and 14U before dinner

HbA1c: 7.8% 2/12 ago

Testing: tests BSL at home 2-3 times/day, before meals and occasionally before bed

Pre-breakfast: 5.5-7.6

Pre-lunch: 4.1-7.8

Pre-dinner: 8.1-12.7

Pre-bed: 6.8-9.2

What is the prominent pattern of BSL elevation? What could be done to improve that?

A

Readings too high before dinner with a trend towards low readings before lunch Increasing morning insulin will reduce pre-dinner readings but will increase changes of a pre-lunch hypo; a dietitian referral may be helpful!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Jane, 23 years old and T1DM of 4 years, referred to dietitian for advice

Jane has a high GI cereal and 1 slice of toasted white bread for breakfast and then does not eat until lunch

Dietary advice?

A

Switch to lower GI foods (whole grain bread, low GI cereal, porridge, baked beans, etc) should result in slow CHO absorption and higher pre-lunch glucose

A mid-morning snack may also be helpful

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the “basal bolus” regimen for insulin use

What is the rationale behind the use of the “basal bolus” regimen in diabetes?

A

Rapid acting insulin analogue with meals (bolus)

Long acting insulin once or twice a day to provide background (basal) insulin level

Mimics normal insulin production and controls post-prandial hyperglycaemia, which is a major contributor to HbA1c (esp at lower HbA1c)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Jane, 23 years old and T1DM of 4 years, referred to dietitian for advice

Treatment: Novomix 30 20U before breakfast, 14U before dinner

Pre-breakfast: 5.5-7.6

Pre-lunch: 4.1-7.8

Pre-dinner: 8.1-12.7

Pre-bed: 6.8-9.2

What is the most optimal solution to achieving better glycaemic control?

A

Changing to more frequent insulin administration with a basal bolus regimen

E.g. insulin aspart (Novorapid) 6U before breakfast, lunch and dinner, glargine insulin (Lantus) 14U before bed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

List 3 rapid-acting insulins

A

Aspart

Glulisine

Lispro

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How long do short-acting insulins take to work? When are they at their peak? How long do they last?

A

Onset: 10-20 mins

Peak: 1-3 hrs

Duration: 3.5-4.5 hrs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

List 2 long-acting insulins

A

Detemir

Glargine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How long do long-acting insulins take to start working? When are they at their peak? How long do they last?

A

Onset: 2-4 hrs

Peak: 8-10 hrs detemir, variable for glargine

Duration: 14-16 hrs detemir, 16-24 hrs

NB True “peakless” insulins are currently in development

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the mainstays of T2DM management?

A

Weight loss (80% + overweight)

Exercise

Oral anti-diabetic agents (monotherapy, dual oral therapy, triple oral therapy sometimes used, insulin)

Mx of CV risk factors: lipids, HTN, smoking, etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

List 7 classes of oral anti-diabetics

A

Metformin (biguanides)

Sulphonylureas

a-glucosidase inhibitors

Thiazolidinediones

DPP4 inhibitors

GLP-1 analogues

SGLT2 inhibitors (only recently became available)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

When should caution be applied to the use of metformin?

A

With renal impairment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What anti-diabetic therapies carry a risk of hypoglycaemia?

A

SU

Insulin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What anti-diabetics are good for weight loss?

A

GLP-1 agonist

DPP4 inhibitor

Metformin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What anti-diabetics can cause weight gain?

A

Glitazones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Describe what diabetes treatments are effective at different stages of diabetes

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How should the metformin dose be adjusted in renal impairment?

A

Reduce dose is eGFR less than 40

Cease if eGFR less than 30

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

When should double therapy be considered in management of T2DM?

A

If HbA1c above target on maximal tolerated metformin (up to 2000mg), add sulphonylurea

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the SU of choice? Why?

A

Gliclazide

Same efficacy but less hypoglycaemia than comparable SUs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

In what circumstances are SUs contraindicated?

A

Can cause hypoglycaemia so are contraindicated or use with caution in pilots, professional drivers, etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is the next step in a type 2 diabetic when HbA1c is above target on metformin but SU is contraindicated?

A

DPP4 inhibitor: efficacy is fair, no hypos, no weight gain

GLP-1: efficacy good, no hypos, weight loss BUT requires injection

Glitazone (pioglitazone): efficacy good, no hypos BUT weight gain, fluid retention, bone loss, etc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Mr JM, 54 year old accountant, type 2 diabetic for 1 year, currently taking metformin 1000mg BD

BMI 24.2, mild HTN on ramipril 5mg daily

Otherwise well

HbA1c 7.9%

What additional treatment would be appropriate for Mr JM?

A

Mr JM has HbA1c above target, he is not overweight and his occupation does not place him at special risk should he experience hypoglycaemia

Most Aus physicians would recommend a SU

Mr JM was commenced on gliclazide MR 30mg mane, in addition to his usual dose of metformin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Mr AR, 54 year old taxi driver and type 2 diabetic for 1 year, currently taking metformin 1000U BD

BMI 29.2, abdominal obesity

PHx: angina 3 years ago, treated with coronary stent, CV risk factors now well controlled

HbA1c 7.9%

What additional treatment would be appropriate for Mr AR?

A

Mr AR has an HbA1c above target and is significantly overweight; also, his occupation puts him at significant risk should he experience hypoglycaemia

Most Aus physicians would recommend weight loss and exercise initially

If diet is ineffective, a DPP4i could be added (weight neutral, low hypo risk)

GLP1 agonist would also be appropriate (low risk of hypo, causes some weight loss, but requires injection)

28
Q

Mrs JS, 66 year old retired teacher and type 2 diabetic for 14 years, currently managed with gliclazide MR 120mg mane and metformin 1000mg BD

BMI 26.3

PHx: previous AMI, on treatment for CCF

HbA1c: 9.4%

What additional treatment would be appropriate for Mrs JS?

A

Mrs JS has an HbA1c well above target

She has a long duration of diabetes suggesting B cell function has declined

Hx of CCF means pioglitazone is contraindicated (TZDs may worsen HF; pioglitazone is contraindicated in NYHA class II–IV, and should be used cautiously in NYHA class I; start with a low dose and monitor carefully)

Mrs JS should be referred to a diabetes educator for commencement of glargine (Lantus) insulin, 12U at bed time; metformin and gliclazide should also be continued

29
Q

Should a patient continue taking metformin and SUs after commencement of insulin? Give an example of once and twice daily insulin regimens in T2DM

A

Usually metformin is continued

SUs are continued if once daily insulin is started

Once daily: pre-mixed insulin pre-dinner or glargine at bed time and continue oral agents

Twice daily: BD pre-mixed insulin and continue metformin

30
Q

What is the mechanism of action of metformin?

A

Inhibits hepatic glucose production

31
Q

What is the main SE of metformin?

How can this SE be minimised?

A

GI intolerance: nausea, diarrhoea

Can be minimised by using slow release form (XR)

32
Q

When is metformin contraindicated and why?

A

In renal failure due to risk of lactic acidosis

33
Q

Give 4 examples of SUs

A

Gliclazide

Glipizide

Glibenclamide

Glimepiride

34
Q

What is the mechanism of action of SUs?

A

Stimulate B cell insulin release

35
Q

Clinical guidelines for commencing SU

A

Rapidly effective; start with a low dose

36
Q

What are the SEs of SUs?

A

Weight gain

Hypoglycaemia (gliclazide)

37
Q

What is the mechanism of action of acarbose?

A

Inhibits gut a glucosidase, the enzyme that breaks down starches and disaccharides

38
Q

Does acarbose cause weight gain or hypoglycaemia?

A

No

39
Q

SEs of acarbose

A

Flatulence (esp with high CHO diet)

40
Q

Clinical guidelines for commencing acarbose

A

Must be used with first mouthfuls of food to be effective

41
Q

What is the mechanism of action of thiazolidinediones (glitazones)?

A

Stimulate PPAR-y and reverses insulin resistance

Effects are additive to metformin and SU (and insulin)

42
Q

Do glitazones cause hypoglycaemia?

A

No

43
Q

SEs of glitazones?

A

Many!

Weight gain

Fluid retention

CCF

Bone fractures

Possible bladder cancer risk (pioglitazone esp)

CV event (rosiglitazone - now rarely used)

44
Q

Give 2 examples of GLP-1 analogues

A

Exenatide

Liraglutide

45
Q

Mechanism of GLP-1 analogues; SEs and subset of patients they are generally useful for

A

Improve pancreatic islet glucose sensing and insulin release

Slow gastric emptying and improve satiety (leading to weight loss in most patients)

Used mainly in obese patients with diabetes

Other SEs: nausea, vomiting, ?pancreatitis (no long term data), hypoglycaemia (but rare if used alone)

46
Q

How are GLP-1 analogues administered?

A

SC injection before meals (liraglutide daily, exenatide BD)

47
Q

Give 4 examples of DPP-4 inhibitors

A

Sitagliptin

Vildagliptin

Saxagliptin

Linagliptin

48
Q

What is the mechanism of action of DPP-4 inhibitors?

A

Prolong GLP-1 action, leading to improve B-cell sensing; increase insulin secretion, decrease glucagon secretion

49
Q

Do DPP-4 inhibitors cause hypoglycaemia?

A

Not if used alone

50
Q

When are DPP-4 inhibitors clinically indicated?

A

Commonly used second line after metformin if SUs are contraindicated

51
Q

What other anti-diabetic is available in combination with metformin?

A

DPP-4 inhibitors

52
Q

SEs of DPP-4 inhibitors

A

Very rare: occasionally nausea, hypersensitivity (no long term data)

53
Q

What is the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors?

A

Promote glycosuria, thus lowering blood glucose

54
Q

Do SGLT2 inhibitors cause weight loss or weight gain?

A

Mild weight lloss

55
Q

Are SGLT2 inhibitors associated with hypoglycaemia?

A

Not if used alone

56
Q

Give an example of a SGLT2 inhibitor

A

Dapagliflozin

57
Q

SEs of SGLT2 inhibitors

A

Candida genital infections increased

Long term effects unknown (new drug - no post marketing information available)

58
Q

List 3 rapidly acting insulin analogues

A

Insulin aspart (NovoRapid)

Insulin glulisine (Apidra)

Insulin lispro (Humalog)

59
Q

Give 2 examples of regular insulins

A

Actrapid

Humulin R

60
Q

How long does it take for the onset of regular insulins? When is peak action achieved? What is the duration of action?

A

Onset: 30 mins

Peak: 2-4 hrs

Duration: 5-8 hrs

61
Q

What type of insulins are used for IV injections and infusions? Why?

A

Regular

Because rapid acting analogues have no advantage in IV use and cost more

62
Q

Give an example of a medium-acting insulin?

A

NPH (neutral protamine Hagedoorn)

63
Q

How long until the onset of action of NPH? How long does it take until peak action is achieved? How long does the action last?

A

Onset: 2 hrs

Peak: 6-10 hrs

Duration: 12-16 hrs

64
Q

How does NPH appear?

A

Cloudy insulin; used in “pre-mixes”

65
Q

What is premix insulin?

A

Mixture of regular (Mixtard) or short acting analogue (Novomix, Humalog mix) with NPH insulin

66
Q

How long until onset of action with premix insulin? When is peak action achieved? How long does the action last? When are these insulins typically used?

A

Onset: 10 mins

Double peak action: 1-3 hrs, 6-10 hrs

Duration: 12-16 hrs

Frequently used BD in T2DM