Drugs used for Diabetes
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Universal Activity Number: 407-000-10-058-H01-T
CEUs 1.0
Audience: Pharmacy Technicians
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 05/01/2010
Expiration date: 05/01/2013
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
CEUs 1.0
Audience: Pharmacy Technicians
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 05/01/2010
Expiration date: 05/01/2013
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
Article title:
Review of Medications Used in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Goal
To review the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and outline the mechanism of action, indications, common adverse events, and pharmacy technician considerations for currently available medications used in its treatment.
Objectives
Upon completion of this CE article, the reader will be able to:
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Describe the differences between insulin sensitizers and insulin secretagogues used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
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Discuss the approved indications and common adverse events associated with medications used to treat diabetes.
- Describe the pharmacology of agents used in the treatment of diabetes that are in the “top 200.”
Abstract
Objective: To review the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and outline currently available medications used in its treatment.
Data Sources: A MEDLINE/PubMed search (1966–December 2009) was conducted for English-language articles using the terms diabetes mellitus, pharmacotherapy, metformin, thiazolidinedione, sulfonylurea, meglitinide, a-glucosidase inhibitor, DPP-4 inhibitor, colesevelam, bromocriptine, exenatide, pramlintide, and insulin. Book chapters relevant to the pathophysiology and pharmacologic treatment of diabetes were also searched.
Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles and chapters pertinent to the pharmacologic management of diabetes mellitus were reviewed.
Data Synthesis: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute lack of insulin production by the b-cells of the pancreas, requiring insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by both insulin resistance and a relative or absolute lack of insulin secretion. Because type 2 diabetes involves both insulin resistance and decreased insulin production over time, people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with a variety of drugs currently on the market. Therapies currently on the market include metformin,
thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, a-glucosidase inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, colesevelam, bromocriptine, exenatide, pramlintide, and insulin.
thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, a-glucosidase inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, colesevelam, bromocriptine, exenatide, pramlintide, and insulin.
Conclusions: Given the multitude of medications available for the treatment of diabetes, it is important that pharmacy technicians and pharmacists be aware of the various agents currently on the market. With a solid foundation of knowledge regarding diabetes medications, a huge impact can be made on the quality of care of the customers and patients the pharmacy serves.
J Pharm Technol 2010;26:136-46.