diabetes

• What fasting blood glucose level indicates diabetes?

  > 7.0 mmol/L
• What post-meal blood glucose level indicates diabetes?

  > 11.1 mmol/L
• What is glycosuria?

  Glucose in urine
• What does polyuria refer to?

  Frequent urination
• What does polydipsia mean?

  Increased thirst
• How is Type 1 diabetes characterized?

  Insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction
• What is a key feature of Type 2 diabetes?

  Insulin resistance or reduced insulin secretion
• What is short-acting insulin known for?

  Quick onset, short duration
• What characterizes long-acting insulin?

  Slow onset, long duration
• What is a clinical use of insulin?

  Long-term management of Type 1 diabetes
• Why can't insulin be taken orally?

  It is degraded in the gastrointestinal tract
• What is a common side effect of insulin therapy?

  Hypoglycaemia
• What are symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

  Tachycardia, confusion, headache
• What does metformin improve?

  Insulin sensitivity
• What should be cautioned when prescribing metformin?

  Women over 80yr, CHF, alcohol abuse
• What are common side effects of metformin?

  Gastrointestinal upset, decreased vitamin B12 absorption
• How do sulfonylureas work?

  Stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells
• What is a side effect of sulfonylureas?

  Weight gain
• How do thiazolidinediones work?

  Lower insulin resistance
• What is a risk associated with thiazolidinediones?

  Hepatotoxicity, monitor liver enzymes
• What is the mechanism of DPP-4 inhibitors?

  Inhibit DPP-4, decreasing GLP-1
• How do α-glucosidase inhibitors work?

  Delay carbohydrate digestion, lowering post-meal glucose
• What are side effects of α-glucosidase inhibitors?

  Abdominal cramps and diarrhoea