Diabetes medications, thyroid and adrenal hormone therapies, and their mechanisms and side effects tested on USMLE Step 1.
34 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the primary mechanism of action of metformin?
- Activates AMPK, reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and increasing insulin sensitivity
- What is the most common side effect of metformin?
- GI upset (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort)
- What serious adverse effect limits metformin use in renal impairment?
- Lactic acidosis
- How do sulfonylureas lower blood glucose?
- They close ATP-sensitive K+ channels on pancreatic beta cells, triggering insulin release
- What are the two main adverse effects of sulfonylureas?
- Hypoglycemia and weight gain
- Name a second-generation sulfonylurea used to treat type 2 diabetes
- Glipizide (or glyburide, glimepiride)
- What is the mechanism of action of thiazolidinediones (TZDs)?
- They activate PPAR-gamma, increasing peripheral insulin sensitivity
- What adverse effect makes thiazolidinediones risky in patients with heart failure?
- Fluid retention and edema
- Name a thiazolidinedione used in type 2 diabetes
- Pioglitazone
- How do DPP-4 inhibitors lower blood glucose?
- They block breakdown of incretins like GLP-1, prolonging insulin release and reducing glucagon
- Name a DPP-4 inhibitor used in type 2 diabetes
- Sitagliptin
- What is the mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists?
- Increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decrease glucagon, and slow gastric emptying
- Name a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in type 2 diabetes
- Semaglutide
- What serious adverse effect is associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists?
- Pancreatitis
- How do SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood glucose?
- They block glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule, causing glucosuria