Pancreatic Hormones & Antidiabetic Drugs Quiz

Insulin is a hormone used to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Hypoglycemia refers to abnormally low blood sugar levels, which can be a dangerous side effect of taking insulin. When insulin lowers blood sugar too much, it can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, sweating, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Prompt treatment with glucose or a sugary snack is necessary to raise blood sugar levels back to normal. Therefore, hypoglycemia is considered the most dangerous adverse effect of insulin.

Biguanides are a class of drugs that are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving the body's response to insulin. Examples of biguanides include metformin, which is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for diabetes. These drugs are not used for treating hypertension, nausea, or diarrhea, so they are not antihypertensive, antiemetic, or antidiarrheal drugs. Therefore, the correct answer is antidiabetic drugs.

The given answer "all of the above" is correct because all three statements are true. Pork insulin differs from human insulin by 1 amino acid, beef insulin differs from human insulin by 3 amino acids, and insulin is secreted with C-peptide in equimolar portions from the B-cells. Therefore, all of these statements are true in regard to the Insulin molecule.

Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog. It is designed to provide a steady, background level of insulin over 24 hours, mimicking the natural basal insulin secretion of the pancreas. It is typically injected once daily and helps to control blood sugar levels between meals and overnight.  

Insulin is a small protein comprising 51 amino acid residues, synthesized in the B-cells of the Langerhans via its precursor, proinsulin. One molecule of proinsulin is cleaved by enzymes to give one molecule of insulin and one molecule of -peptide. However, in the muscles, insulin does not inhibit anabolism or induce protein catabolism. Instead, it promotes anabolism by stimulating glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis, and it also enhances amino acid transport, which is essential for protein synthesis.

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels in the body. One of its important effects is the increased transport of glucose into cells. Insulin binds to insulin receptors on the cell surface, triggering a cascade of events that result in the insertion of glucose transporters (GLUT4) into the cell membrane. This allows glucose to enter the cells and be utilized for energy production or stored as glycogen. Increased glucose transport into cells helps to lower blood glucose levels and maintain cellular energy balance.

Beef insulin differs from human insulin by 3 amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and insulin is a protein hormone. These three amino acids may cause slight differences in the structure and function of beef insulin compared to human insulin. These differences can affect the way beef insulin interacts with insulin receptors in the body, potentially leading to variations in its effectiveness or side effects when used in medical treatments.

Insulin is secreted from B-cells in response to high blood glucose levels. In order for insulin to be secreted, the K+ channels on the B-cells need to close. This closure of K+ channels leads to depolarization of the B-cell membrane, which triggers the opening of Ca+2 channels. The influx of Ca+2 ions then stimulates the release of insulin from the B-cells. Therefore, the statement "It needs closure of K+ channels to be secreted from B-cells" is true.

Insulin is a peptide hormone that is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. It works by promoting the uptake and storage of glucose in cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. However, it does not cause gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Instead, insulin inhibits gluconeogenesis to prevent excessive glucose production. Therefore, the statement "It causes gluconeogenesis" is incorrect.

Metformin is an oral medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing hepatic glucose output, meaning it decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Additionally, it enhances insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, which helps the body use insulin more effectively. Metformin also has the benefit of reducing plasma triglyceride levels. However, it does not directly enhance insulin release from the B-cells of the pancreas. Instead, it primarily targets the liver and peripheral tissues to improve glucose control.

Metformin, a common antidiabetic drug, is more likely to cause weight loss or have no impact on weight. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Potential side effects include gastrointestinal issues (most common), lactic acidosis (rare but serious), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if combined with other diabetes medications or improper diet.

Acarbose is a drug that is known to cause abdominal distention and flatulence as common adverse effects. This means that when taking Acarbose, it is likely that patients may experience bloating and excessive gas in the abdomen. These side effects are commonly reported with the use of Acarbose and should be taken into consideration when prescribing or using this medication.

Pork insulin differs from human insulin by 1 amino acid. This means that there is a variation in the sequence of amino acids between the two types of insulin. This difference in amino acid composition can affect the structure and function of the insulin molecule, potentially leading to differences in its activity and effectiveness in regulating blood sugar levels.

a-glucosidase inhibitors do not have a direct effect on insulin release. Instead, they slow the digestion of complex carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This leads to a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream, helping to control blood sugar levels. They can be used in combination with oral hypoglycemic drugs to further manage diabetes. Common adverse effects of a-glucosidase inhibitors include flatulence and bloating. One example of these drugs is miglitol.

Glyburide is most likely to cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This is because glyburide is a sulfonylurea medication that works by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, which can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels. It is important for patients taking glyburide to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

The correct answer is "Non of the above." Acarbose is a glucosidase inhibitor, which means it inhibits the action of the enzyme glucosidase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. By inhibiting this enzyme, acarbose helps to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a decrease in postprandial blood glucose levels. It is commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Phenformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent that has been associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect that can occur when there is an accumulation of lactic acid in the body. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Therefore, out of the given options, only Phenformin can cause lactic acidosis.

Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, which play crucial roles in regulating blood sugar levels and other metabolic processes.