Metformin and CT Scans: Risks and Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of metformin in managing type 2 diabetes?

It directly lowers blood glucose levels.
It increases insulin production in the pancreas.
It decreases glucose production in the liver. (correct)
It inhibits the absorption of sugar in the intestine.

Which serious condition is associated with combining metformin and intravenous contrast material?

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Life-threatening lactic acidosis (correct)
Hypertensive crisis
Pulmonary embolism

When should metformin be discontinued relative to a CT scan with contrast?

1-2 hours before and continued afterward
1 week before and 1 week afterward
1-2 days before and for 48 hours afterward (correct)
Only on the day of the scan

How does metformin affect insulin sensitivity?

<p>It increases tissue responsiveness to insulin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of medication is metformin classified as?

<p>Biguanide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is metformin?

Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the body more responsive to insulin.

Why is metformin a first-line treatment?

Metformin is typically the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. This means it's often the first medication a doctor prescribes.

How does metformin work?

Metformin doesn't directly lower blood sugar. Instead, it helps the body use glucose more effectively.

What's the risk of using metformin with contrast dye?

Combining metformin with contrast dye used in CT scans can increase the risk of kidney problems and a serious condition called lactic acidosis.

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How long should metformin be stopped before a CT scan?

To avoid the risks, metformin should be stopped 1-2 days before a CT scan with contrast and restarted 48 hours afterward.

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Study Notes

Metformin and CT Scans

Metformin is a biguanide oral antidiabetic medication, used as first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Metformin does not directly lower blood glucose. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing tissue responsiveness to insulin.
Combining metformin with IV contrast material during a CT scan increases the risk of renal toxicity and life-threatening lactic acidosis.
Therefore, metformin should be held 1-2 days before a CT scan with contrast and for 48 hours afterwards.