ENDOCRINE PHARMACOLOGY SIMPLIFIED
Course: Pharmacology (Insulin & Antidiabetic Drugs)
Primary Reference: Katzung – Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 16th Edition
Chapters 41 – Drugs Used in Diabetes
Study Program: Nursing / Medicine / Clinical Health Sciences
Document Type: Course Summary & Exam Revision Notes
Level: Undergraduate
1
, 1. INSULIN
OVERVIEW
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by pancreatic β-cells
Essential for:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Advanced Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Acute hyperglycemic emergencies
Mechanism of Action
Binds to insulin receptors (tyrosine kinase receptors)
Leads to:
↑ Glucose uptake (muscle & adipose tissue)
↓ Hepatic glucose production
↑ Glycogen, fat & protein synthesis
↓ Lipolysis & ketogenesis
Insulin is the only drug that lowers all metabolic fuels (glucose, fatty acids, ketones).
CLASSIFICATION OF INSULIN (Based on onset, peak & duration)
A. Rapid-Acting Insulin
Common Drugs
Insulin lispro
Insulin aspart
Insulin glulisine
Onset: 10–15 min
Peak: 1–2 hrs
Duration: 3–5 hrs
Uses
Mealtime (prandial) insulin
Insulin pumps
Inject immediately before meals
B. Short-Acting Insulin
Common Drugs
Regular insulin
Onset: 30–60 min
Peak: 2–4 hrs
Duration: 5–8 hrs
Uses
Mealtime insulin
2
Course: Pharmacology (Insulin & Antidiabetic Drugs)
Primary Reference: Katzung – Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 16th Edition
Chapters 41 – Drugs Used in Diabetes
Study Program: Nursing / Medicine / Clinical Health Sciences
Document Type: Course Summary & Exam Revision Notes
Level: Undergraduate
1
, 1. INSULIN
OVERVIEW
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by pancreatic β-cells
Essential for:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Advanced Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Acute hyperglycemic emergencies
Mechanism of Action
Binds to insulin receptors (tyrosine kinase receptors)
Leads to:
↑ Glucose uptake (muscle & adipose tissue)
↓ Hepatic glucose production
↑ Glycogen, fat & protein synthesis
↓ Lipolysis & ketogenesis
Insulin is the only drug that lowers all metabolic fuels (glucose, fatty acids, ketones).
CLASSIFICATION OF INSULIN (Based on onset, peak & duration)
A. Rapid-Acting Insulin
Common Drugs
Insulin lispro
Insulin aspart
Insulin glulisine
Onset: 10–15 min
Peak: 1–2 hrs
Duration: 3–5 hrs
Uses
Mealtime (prandial) insulin
Insulin pumps
Inject immediately before meals
B. Short-Acting Insulin
Common Drugs
Regular insulin
Onset: 30–60 min
Peak: 2–4 hrs
Duration: 5–8 hrs
Uses
Mealtime insulin
2
