Nursing Pharmacology: Diabetes Medications – Drug Classes, Side Effects & Patient Care

Nursing
Pharmacology
Diabetes
Medications

Alpha cell in pancreas = - CORRECT ANSWER-Glucagon secreting cell; glucagon raises blood
sugar level



Beta cell in pancreas = - CORRECT ANSWER-Insulin secreting cell; insulin lowers blood glucose
level



When blood glucose is high and the pancreas releases insulin what happens? - CORRECT
ANSWER-insulin receptors on cells open and insulin leaves blood and enters cells; also liver
stores glucose as glycogen; this results in lower blood glucose



When blood glucose is low and the pancreas releases glucagon what happens? - CORRECT
ANSWER-the liver breaks down glycogen into glucose and releases it into blood to raise blood
glucose

, What are four things that diabetes causes? - CORRECT ANSWER-Blindness, end-stage renal
disease, lower limb amputation, skyrocketing medical costs



Diagnosis data related to diabetes: - CORRECT ANSWER-1. random glucose > 200

2. fasting plasma blood glucose > 126

3. postprandial blood glucose > 200

4. Hgb A1C > 6.5



Type 1 Diabetes details: - CORRECT ANSWER-Insulin dependent, usually juvenile onset

Autoimmune destruction of Beta cells in pancreas

3 Ps = polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia

Insulin controlled



What are the three Ps of diabetes? - CORRECT ANSWER-The three P's of Diabetes are: Polyuria,
Polydipsia, and Polyphagia. Polyuria is excessive urination, Polydipsia is excessive drinking of
water, and Polyphagia is excessive eating



Type 2 Diabetes details: - CORRECT ANSWER-Usually adult onset

Cells resistant to insulin

Diet / Exercise to control

Oral hypoglycemics/insulin when diet and exercise alone can not control



Diabetes complications: - CORRECT ANSWER-Hyperglycemia = fasting blood glucose (FSBS) >
greater than 200

Hypoglycemia = FSBS < less than 60