Diabetes Medications

Question 1

List four common side effects of insulin.

Answer 1

Common adverse effects of insulin therapy include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can manifest as 1. dizziness
2. sweating
3. confusion
4. weakness.

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of metformin?

Answer 2

Metformin activates an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis (glucose production) and enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Thus decreasing glucose production by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin

Question 3

list four common side effects of metformin

Answer 3

Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort

Question 4

What is the classification of metformin?

Answer 4

Biguanide

Question 5

What are 3 things that should be included in patient education for metformin?

Answer 5

The patient should take metformin as prescribed, usually with meals, to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.

Patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as muscle pain, rapid breathing, abdominal discomfort, and weakness. If lactic acidosis is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought.

It is important to assess kidney function before initiating metformin therapy and periodically thereafter.

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Question 6

What are hypo and hyperglycaemic agents?

Answer 6

“Hypo” and “hyper” refer to low and high levels of blood glucose, respectively. Hypoglycemic agents are medications used to treat low blood sugar levels, while hyperglycemic agents are medications used to treat high blood sugar levels.

Question 7

Is insulin a hypo or hyper glycaemic agent?

Answer 7

‘Hypoglycaemic agent’

Question 8

Is metformin a hypo or hyper glycaemic agent?

Answer 8

‘Hyperglycaemic agent’

Question 9

Is Empagliflofazin a hypo or hyper glycaemic agent?

Answer 9

‘hyperglycemic agent’

Question 10

What is more dangerous - hyperglycaemic attack or a hypoglycaemic attack?

Answer 10

Both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic attacks pose risks to individuals with diabetes. Hypoglycemic attacks require immediate treatment to raise blood sugar levels, while hyperglycemic attacks necessitate urgent medical intervention to normalize blood glucose levels and address the underlying cause.

Question 11

What is more dangerous - hyperglycaemic attack or a hypoglycaemic attack?

Answer 11

Both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic attacks pose risks to individuals with diabetes. Hypoglycemic attacks require immediate treatment to raise blood sugar levels, while hyperglycemic attacks necessitate urgent medical intervention to normalize blood glucose levels and address the underlying cause.

Question 12

Does insulin lower or heighten blood glucose levels?

Answer 12

Lowers blood glucose

Question 13

Does glucagon lower or heighten blood glucose levels?

Answer 13

Raises blood glucose

Question 14

Whats the livers role in terms of blood glucose levels?

Answer 14

It can give glucose when BGLs are low
It can store glucose when BGLs are high

Question 15

Whats the role of the pancreas in terms of blood glucose levels?

Answer 15

Produces insulin and glycagon

Question 16

Whats the role of cortisol?

Answer 16

It increases BGLs
Is sometimes called the stress hormone

Question 17

What is the role of epinephrine and norepinephrine?

Answer 17

Lowers BGLs
Is sometimes called the stress reducing hormones