Diabetes Drug Classifications Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are main diabetes drug classifications? (Select all that apply)

Incretin enhancers 'tide' (correct)

Biguanides (correct)

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (correct)

Antihypoglycemic (correct)

Hypoglycemic (correct)

Sulfonylureas 'ide' (correct)

What is the prototype drug for incretin enhancers?

exenatide

What is the prototype drug for alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?

acarbose

What is the prototype drug for biguanides?

metformin Signup and view all the answers

What are the prototype drugs for sulfonylureas?

glyburide Signup and view all the answers

What is the prototype drug for antihypoglycemics?

glucagon Signup and view all the answers

What is the prototype drug for hypoglycemics?

regular insulin Signup and view all the answers

What is one action of incretin enhancers like exenatide?

promote insulin secretion from the pancreas Signup and view all the answers

Your brain needs _____?

sugar Signup and view all the answers

What are some adverse effects of incretin enhancers?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

What is a nursing intervention for patients taking incretin enhancers?

Monitor signs/symptoms of GI distress Signup and view all the answers

What action do alpha-glucosidase inhibitors have on carbohydrates?

Delay digestion and absorption Signup and view all the answers

What are some adverse effects of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?

Cramping Signup and view all the answers

What is an important nursing intervention for alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?

Treat hypoglycemia with dextrose, NOT sucrose Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to treat hypoglycemia with dextrose instead of sucrose when taking alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?

Sucrose needs to be digested and absorbed, while dextrose goes straight into the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What is one action of biguanides like metformin?

Increase tissue sensitivity to insulin Signup and view all the answers

What are some adverse effects of biguanides?

Metallic taste Signup and view all the answers

What nursing interventions should be monitored for biguanides?

Monitor vital signs and blood sugar frequently Signup and view all the answers

What is one action of sulfonylureas like glyburide?

Causes pancreatic beta cells to release insulin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Diabetes Drug Classifications

Key classifications include:
- Incretin enhancers ("tide")
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
- Biguanides
- Sulfonylureas ("ide")
- Antihypoglycemic
- Hypoglycemic

Incretin Enhancers

Prototype drug: exenatide
Other drugs include albiglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Prototype drugs: acarbose and miglitol

Biguanides

Prototype drug: metformin

Sulfonylureas

Second-generation prototype drugs: glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride, and glyburide micronized
First-generation prototype drugs: chlorpropamide, tolazamide, and tolbutamide

Antihypoglycemic

Prototype drug: glucagon and dextrose 50%

Hypoglycemic

Prototype drug: short-acting regular insulin

Actions of Incretin Enhancers

Stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells
Suppress glucagon release from the liver
Delay gastric emptying, allowing more time for insulin to respond to glucose

Brain's Sugar Requirement

The brain requires sugar for proper functioning

Adverse Effects of Incretin Enhancers

Common gastrointestinal issues: nausea/vomiting (N/V), diarrhea
Other effects: anorexia, abdominal pain, metallic taste, and injection site reactions

Nursing Interventions for Incretin Enhancers

Educate patients on injection technique (45-90 degrees)
Monitor for GI distress, hypoglycemia, and pancreatitis symptoms
Assess injection site for reactions
Regularly check lab tests: fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood sugar (BS), HbA1c, renal function, and liver function tests (LFT)
Administer 60 minutes before meals
Teach correct medication preparation and needle disposal
Check BS before administration; withhold if BS is below 60
Instruct on symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia

Actions of Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Delay carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the small intestine
Allow pancreatic beta cells time to release insulin
Not all sugars will be absorbed due to the mechanism of action

Adverse Effects of Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Gastrointestinal symptoms: flatulence, cramping, diarrhea, abdominal distention

Nursing Interventions for Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Treat hypoglycemia with dextrose instead of sucrose
Monitor lab tests: BS, HbA1c, LFT, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (H&H)
Observe for weight changes and hypoglycemia symptoms, especially when combined with other medications
Conduct bowel assessments
Educate on potential herbal interactions with ginseng and garlic

Importance of Dextrose for Hypoglycemia

Dextrose provides immediate glucose to the bloodstream; sucrose requires digestion and absorption, which is delayed by alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

Actions of Biguanides (Metformin)

Increases insulin receptor binding and tissue sensitivity
Enhances glucose transport into muscle and fat tissues
Suppresses gluconeogenesis and liver glucose production

Adverse Effects of Biguanides (Metformin)

Gastrointestinal symptoms: flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and a bitter/metallic taste

Nursing Interventions for Biguanides (Metformin)

Monitor vital signs and BS frequently
Watch for lactic acidosis symptoms: malaise, respiratory depression, abdominal distress
Assess cardiopulmonary status and monitor relevant lab tests: glycosuria, ketones, FBS, HbA1c, and RBC counts
Report any fluid or electrolyte imbalances

Actions of Sulfonylureas (Glyburide)

Stimulate pancreatic beta cells to release insulin
Decrease glucose output from the liver
Increase insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues

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Description

Explore key classifications of diabetes medications, including incretin enhancers, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides, and sulfonylureas. This quiz covers the prototype drugs and their actions, helping you understand their roles in diabetes management.