007
Chapter 1
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
May 2008 exam: A 62-year-old man is investigated for hypertension and proximal
myopathy. On examination he is noted to have abdominal striae. Which one of the
following is most associated with ectopic ACTH secretion?
Small cell lung cancer
Disorder Investigation of choice Cushing Overnight Dexamethasone Test Cushing- vs. Pseudo-cushing Insulin Stress Test Addison Short Synacthen Test Pheochromocytoma 24H Urinary metanephrines Acromegaly Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Diabetology
Pancreatic Hormones
•
Islet A cells produce glucagon
•
Islet beta cells produce:
- insulin
- C peptide
- pro-insulin
- amylin
- GABA • Islet D cells produce somatostatin • F cells produce pancreatic polypeptide
Glucose transporters Glucose entrance to the cells • To intestinal epithelial cells and proximal renal tubular cells → via Sodium/Glucose cotransporter (SGLT) • To all other cells of the body → Glucose Transporters (GLUTs).
Sodium/glucose cotransporter (SGLT)
•
Glucose uptake into the enterocyte from the lumen of the GI tract occurs primarily via the
sodium-dependent SGLT-1 secondary active transport mechanism.
SGLT-1 is a transporter found predominantly in the gut, and is responsible for
glucose absorption.
The Na+-glucose cotransporter also transports galactose. Thus, when the
cotransporter is congenitally defective, the resulting glucose and galactose
malabsorption causes severe diarrhea that can be fatal if glucose and galactose are
not removed from the diet.
•
Function
transport glucose actively across lumen against concentration gradient
energy provided by transport of sodium down its concentration gradient
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
• location small intestine (SGLT1) 2:1 Na+:Glu proximal tubule of nephron (SGLT2) 1:1 Na+:Glu • Glucose exit from the enterocyte into the extracellular fluid occurs by facilitated diffusion and is mediated by the membrane transporter, Glut-2.
Glucose Transporters (GLUTs).
GLUT-1
•
function
basal glucose uptake (GLUT1 and GLUT3 continually transport glucose into cells at
an essentially constant rate.)
high affinity
transporters saturated at normal blood glucose levels
ensures glucose entry to cells
•
location
wide distribution in tissues in the body (brain, erythrocytes, endothelial cells, cornea
etc.)
especially expressed in cells with barrier functions, such as Blood- Brain barrier,
blood-retinal barrier, blood placental barrier, blood testes barrier
most importantly it is expressed in erythrocytes.
GLUT-2
•
GLuT 2 is a glucose transporter expressed in pancreatic beta cells.
•
It is a fundamental part of the glucose sensing apparatus in the pancreatic beta cells and
helps trigger insulin release in response to increasing glucose concentrations in the
extracellular fluid.
•
GluT 2 is also expressed in hepatocytes and may act as a glucose sensor in the portal vein
system.
•
It may have a role in regulating glucagon secretion and feeding behaviour.
•
function
low affinity glucose uptake ( high-capacity but a low affinity transporter)
in the fasting state glucose does not enter cells
mediates glucose surplus storage in liver when blood glucose levels rise
facilitates insulin release in β-cells
•
location
hepatocytes
pancreatic β-cells
kidney
small intestines
In healthy individuals, which glucose transporter is required for triggering insulin secretion in
response to elevated blood glucose concentration?
GluT 2
GLUT-3 • function high affinity glucose uptake glucose preferentially accessed by neurons in low-glucose states • location brain neurons
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
GLUT-4
•
GLUT-4 is the only glucose transporter that is responsive to circulating insulin
levels.
↑plasma glucose concentration ↑circulating insulin ↑expression of GLUT-4
↑glucose transport into the cell.
The other types of glucose receptors (GLUT-1,2,3,&5) are not responsive to
circulating insulin levels
exogenous insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus results in increased glucose
uptake via the GLUT-4 transporter.
This high-affinity glucose transporter plays a crucial role in avoiding postprandial
hyperglycemia, since insulin secreted by the pancreatic beta cells promotes glucose
uptake into myocytes.
•
function
insulin-controlled uptake of glucose
basal level of glucose intake without insulin
presence of insulin ↑ translocation of transporters to the cell membrane
↑↑↑ glucose uptake
also stimulated by exercise
•
location
adipocytes
myocytes
cardiomyocytes
Which glucose transporter is responsible for assisting glucose across the plasma membrane in myocytes? GLUT 4
Glut-5
• located on the apical portion of the enterocyte
• function: entry of fructose into the cell.
• GLUT-1 = BBB (Blood- Brain barrier) • GLUT-3 = "Brain"
Glycaemic index (GI)
Definition
• The glycaemic index (GI) describes the capacity of a food to raise blood glucose compared
with glucose in normal glucose-tolerant individuals.
Classification
• Carbohydrates can be scored from 0 to 100 where glucose has a GI of 100.
• High GI index foods have a value of 70 or above, medium 56-69 and low <55.
• Apples, peaches oranges and even chocolate are considered low GI (less than 55).
• through different preparation, the GI can alter – mashed potatoes (70) and baked potatoes
(85) have a high GI (above 70) whilst boiled potatoes have a moderate GI of 58.
• Foods only appear if they contain carbohydrate hence meats, eggs and fish do not appear
in the GI index.
• Generally, the lower the GI index the ‘better’ the carbohydrate.
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Classification Examples High GI White rice (87), baked potato (85), white bread (70) Medium GI Couscous (65), boiled new potato (62), digestive biscuit (59), brown rice (58) Low GI Fruit and vegetables, peanuts
The risk of foods with a high GI
• may be associated with an increased risk of obesity
• the post-prandial hyperglycaemia associated with such foods may also increase the risk of
type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metabolic syndrome
Features of the metabolic syndrome are: • Diabetes or pre-diabetes. • Hypertension • Central adiposity • High triglycerides or low HDL cholesterol
Definition
• the co-occurrence of metabolic risk factors for both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
disease (CVD) (abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension).
Pathophysiology • the key pathophysiological factor is insulin resistance.
Diagnostic criteria • WHO criteria (1999): Presence of insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes mellitus , impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glucose), Plus two of the following:
- blood pressure: > 140/90 mmHg
- dyslipidaemia: triglycerides: > 1.695 mmol/L and/or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) < 0.9 mmol/L (male), < 1.0 mmol/L (female)
- central obesity: waist: hip ratio > 0.90 (male), > 0.85 (female), and/or body mass index > 30 kg/m2
- microalbuminuria: urinary albumin excretion ratio > 20 mg/min or albumin: creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g • International Diabetes Federation criteria (2005): presence of central obesity (defined as waist circumference > 94cm for Europid men and > 80cm for Europid women, but can be assumed if BMI >30 kg/m²) Plus two of the following:
- Triglycerides: > 1.7 mmol/L, or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality
- HDL cholesterol: < 1.03 mmol/L in males and < 1.29 mmol/L in females, or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality.
- BP: > 130/85 mm Hg, or active treatment of hypertension
- Fasting glucose > 5.6 mmol/L, or previously diagnosed type 2 DM. Management • Aggressive lifestyle modification focused on weight reduction and increased physical activity • Long-term exercise upregulates expression of GLUT4, which may reduce hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 DM or metabolic syndrome. • Orlistat (an inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases) with diet, reduces the risk of diabetes in an obese patients by 38% more than diet alone.
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Alström syndrome (AS)
• rare autosomal recessive disease
• caused by mutations in the ALMS1 gene.
• characterized by multiorgan dysfunction.
• Key features are:
• childhood obesity, hyperinsulinemia, early-onset type 2 diabetes, and
hypertriglyceridemia. Thus, AS shares several features with the common metabolic
syndrome, namely obesity,
• blindness due to congenital retinal dystrophy,
• sensorineural hearing loss.
• dilated cardiomyopathy in over 60% of cases,
• developmental delays in 50 % of cases.
Pre-diabetes or impaired glucose regulation (IGR)
Definition:
•
impaired glucose levels which are above the normal range but not high enough for a
diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Includes impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired
glucose tolerance (IGT).
•
Diabetes UK currently recommend using the term prediabetes when talking to patients and
impaired glucose regulation (IGR) when talking to other healthcare professionals
Incidence • Diabetes UK estimate that around 1 in 7 adults in the UK have prediabetes.
Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) • Definition → fasting glucose greater than or equal to 6.1 but less than 7.0 mmol/l Mechanism due to hepatic insulin resistance people with IFG should then be offered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to rule out a diagnosis of diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) • Definition fasting plasma glucose less than 7.0 mmol/l and OGTT 2-hour value greater than or equal to 7.8 mmol/l but less than 11.1 mmol/l • Mechanism due to muscle insulin resistance • Patients with IGT are more likely to develop T2DM and cardiovascular disease than patients with IFG
Identification of patients with prediabetes: Who should be assessed for the risk of type
2 diabetes?
• all adults aged 40 and over,
• people of South Asian and Chinese descent aged 25-39,
• adults with conditions that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes:
cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension,
obesity,
polycystic ovary syndrome,
history of gestational diabetes
mental health problems.
Diagnosis
normal
Prediabetes
Diabetes mellitus
Fasting
glucose
≤ 6 mmol/l
≥ 6.1 – 6.9 mmol/l
impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
2h glucose
during an
OGTT
< 7.8 mmol/l
7.8 -n 11 mmol/l
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
HA1c
< 42 mmol/mol
< 6%
42 – 47 mmol/mol
(6.0 – 6.4%)
Complication
•
progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
•
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes in patient with (IGT) → 60% over 6 years
•
↑ risk of macrovascular disease (e.g. coronary artery disease). No risk of microvascular
complications of diabetes such as retinopathy and nephropathy.
Management
The best way to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with IGT is → Intensive lifestyle change
• Lifestyle modification: weight loss, increased exercise, change in diet intensive diet and lifestyle change (that results in loss of approximately 5% of initial body weight) can reduce progression from impaired fasting glucose (or impaired glucose tolerance) to frank type 2 diabetes by approximately 50%. • NICE recommend metformin for adults at high risk 'whose blood glucose measure (fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c) shows they are still progressing towards type 2 diabetes, despite their participation in an intensive lifestyle-change programme'
Which drug classes is most well known as a cause of impaired glucose tolerance? Atypical antipsychotics
Both typical antipsychotics and antihypertensives (thiazides and beta blockers), have been shown in meta-analyses to be associated with impaired glucose tolerance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The risk is relatively larger for risperidone than thiazides & β.blocker
MRCPUK- part- 1-September 2009 exam: The fasting glucose of asymptomatic patient
comes back as 6.5 mmol/l. The test is repeated and reported as 6.7 mmol/l. How should
these results be interpreted? Impaired fasting glycaemia
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
≥ 7 mmol/l ≥ 11.1 mmol/l ≥ 6.5%
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Diabetes mellitus: Type 1 overview
Definition • Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia due to absolute insulin deficiency.
Epidemiology • 5% to 10% of all patients with diabetes. • more common in Europeans and less common in Asians.
Pathophysiology
•
Genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers (often associated with previous viral
infection) → autoimmune response (CD4 +T-cell mediated) with production of
autoantibodies, e.g., anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (anti-GAD), anti-islet cell
cytoplasmic antibody (anti-ICA) → progressive destruction of β cells in the pancreatic
islets → absolute insulin deficiency → decreased glucose uptake in the tissues.
•
Type 1 diabetes becomes clinically evident upon destruction of approximately 70-80
% of beta cell mass.
Risk factors
•
Genetic risks
HLA association (HLA DR4 > HLA DR3)
The familial risk of Type 1 diabetes:
Only 10% of patients have a positive family history
If both parents have type 1 DM → ≈ 40% (in offspring)
If the father has type 1 DM → 3–6%
If the mother has type 1 DM → 2-3%
If one identical twin has type 1 DM, the risk in the unaffected twin → 3050%.
If a sibling (brother or sister) has type 1 diabetes → 5–6%
•
Viral infections
Only congenital rubella infection has been definitively linked to an increased
risk for type 1 diabetes.
Studies attempting to link other viruses to type 1 diabetes, including
enterovirus and rotavirus, have had mixed results.
Enteroviruses may play a role in both protection from and susceptibility to
type 1 diabetes.
•
Presence of autoantibodies → 50% risk of DM over five years.
•
Loss of first phase insulin response (postprandial insulin secretion in response to a
meal, begins within 2 minutes of nutrient ingestion and continues for 10 to 15 minutes) →
indicator of significant impending beta cell destruction → 100% risk of DM over two
years.
•
Association with other autoimmune conditions
Hashimoto thyroiditis
Type A gastritis
Celiac disease
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Features • Age of onset below 50 years • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the first manifestation in one-third of cases • BMI below 25 kg/m2 • Rapid weight loss (the cardinal feature of absolute insulin deficiency.) • Classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (Polyuria, Polydipsia, Polyphagia) • Increased susceptibility to infections
Weight loss is an indicator of type 1DM even if the patient is obese → insulin is the best treatment (SCE. Questions sample. Mrcpuk.org )
Diagnosis of DM: any one of the following • Fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) on at least two occasions • Symptoms of hyperglycemia and a plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) • Plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) measured two hours after a standard glucose load in an oral glucose tolerance test • Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) ≥6.5%.
Investigations for type 1
• C-peptide
↓ C-peptide levels indicate an absolute insulin deficiency → type 1 diabetes
↑ C-peptide levels may indicate insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia → type
2diabetes
•
Antibodies detected in patients who later go on to develop type 1 DM:
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) antibody
found in 70-90% of type1 diabetics.
10 fold increases the risk of developing IDDM.
10% of adults who have been classified as having type 2 diabetes may have
(ICA) or (GAD) antibodies, indicating autoimmune destruction of beta cells.
Islet Cell Antibodies (ICA): found in up to 60 - 80% of patients with type 1
diabetes
Complications • Microvascular complications include retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. • Macrovascular complications include cerebrovascular, coronary artery, and peripheral vascular disease. Which feature is most closely associated with the imminent development of type 1 diabetes? → Loss of first phase insulin response
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Diabetes mellitus: management of type 1
Diet
• Do not advise adults with type 1 diabetes to follow a low glycaemic index diet for blood
glucose control.
Insulin
• Insulin injection regimen: offer multiple daily injection basal–bolus insulin regimens,
rather than twice-daily mixed insulin regimens, as the insulin injection regimen of
choice.
• For basal insulin:
twice-daily insulin detemir is the regime of choice. Once-daily insulin glargine is
an alternative.
once-daily ultra-long-acting insulin such as degludec, if there is a concern about
nocturnal hypoglycaemia or for people who need help from a carer.
• For mealtime insulin: offer rapid-acting insulin analogues injected before meals, rather
than rapid-acting soluble human or animal insulins.
• Insulin dose: normal insulin requirements are around 0.5–0.6 units/kg/day, split equally
between background (basal) and mealtime (bolus) requirements
• Insulin dose adjustments
During periods of illness: the TREND UK guidance advises that:
If blood glucose is less than 13 mmol/L and no ketones are present then
insulin should be taken as normal.
If blood glucose is more than 13 mmol/L and ketones are present then
insulin adjustment is needed. add 10% of the daily insulin dose as rapid
acting insulin every four hours, and then four hourly glucose and ketone
monitoring to guide ongoing dosage/management.
After alcohol or exercise → reduce evening basal insulin by 25–50%.
Metformin
• NICE recommend considering adding metformin if the BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²
Referral indication for islet or pancreas transplantation
• type 1 diabetes with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia that has not responded to other
treatments
• type 1 diabetes with suboptimal diabetes control who have had a renal transplant and are
currently on immunosuppressive therapy.
Monitoring
• Frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose
recommend testing at least 4 times a day, including before each meal and before
bed.
more frequent monitoring is recommended if frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes
increases; during periods of illness; before, during and after sport; when planning
pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
during periods of illness, blood glucose and ketones should be checked at least
every 4 hours.
In newly diagnosed adults with type 1 diabetes, the first-line insulin regime should be a
basal–bolus using twice-daily insulin detemir.
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Targets
Test
Targets
HbA1c
≤ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%)
fasting plasma glucose
5–7 mmol/litre on waking
4–7 mmol/litre before meals
Post-prandial
5–9 mmol/litre (< 10)
during surgery or acute illness
5–8 mmol/litre
blood pressure
135/85 mmHg
Impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance • Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is defined as fasting glucose ≥ 6.1 but < 7.0 mmol/l • Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is defined as fasting glucose < 7.0 mmol/l and OGTT 2-hour ≥ 7.8 mmol/l but < 11.1 mmol/l
Diabetes mellitus: Type 2 overview
Definition • Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive disorder defined by deficits in insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance
Epidemiology • greater incidence among those of black and South Asian origin. • Most are over 40yrs, but teenagers are now getting type 2 DM
Genetics
• Polygenic
• No HLA associations.
• Strong familial predisposition. Familial risks for developing diabetes
Concordance between identical twins is higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus than
type 1
if one identical twin has type 2 diabetes, the risk in the unaffected twin → 60 –
100 %.
The incident diabetes risk in siblings and offspring of patients with type 2
diabetes is approximately 10%.
Pathophysiology • Peripheral insulin resistance Obesity→ ↓Adiponectin (secreted by adipocytes and involved in lipid catabolism) → insulin resistance (inversely correlated with the risk for diabetes). Central obesity → ↑free fatty acids → impaired insulin-dependent glucose uptake into hepatocytes, myocytes, and adipocytes ↑Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (↑in obesity & ↓ in weight loss → insulin resistance → type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
• Beta cell dysfunction: accumulation of pro-amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) in the
pancreas → decreased endogenous insulin production
Amyloid deposition → ↓islet cell number and function.
The presence of amyloid polypeptide on pancreatic histology is highly
suggestive of type 2 DM.
Beta cell function is reduced by up to 70% at the point of type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
The earliest manifestation of beta cell dysfunction occurs in the form of reduced and
delayed postprandial early phase insulin secretion.
• Alpha cell dysfunction →↑ plasma glucagon
•
Secondary diabetes (e.g. Haemochromatosis)
Risk factors
• Age, ethnicity and positive family history
• Conditions associated with insulin resistance: e.g., severe obesity, dyslipidemia
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Physical inactivity
• Hypertension
• History of gestational diabetes
Features
• The majority of patients are asymptomatic.
• Elderly patients may present in a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.
• Symptoms of hyperglycemia (Polyuria, Polydipsia Polyphagia)
• Prone to recurrent infections
DM → Impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and
phagocytosis →immunosuppression → recurrent infections
• 30% of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome will have undiagnosed type 2 DM
• Increased concentrations of C peptide are a marker of increased colorectal cancer
risk
Diagnosis: WHO criteria • Fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L (≥126 mg/dL), or • Plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L (≥200 mg/dL) 2 hours after 75 g oral glucose, or • Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%), or • In a symptomatic patient, random plasma glucose of ≥11.1 mmol/L (≥200 mg/dL). • Repeat confirmatory test is required in asymptomatic patients.
Beta cell mass
• Compared with subjects with normoglycaemia,
beta cell mass is reduced by 50% in subjects with Impaired Fasting Glucose,
by 70% in subjects with Type 2 diabetes, and
over 90% in subjects with type 1 diabetes.
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Diabetes UK suggests :'People with IFG should then be offered an oral glucose tolerance test to rule out a diagnosis of diabetes. A result below 11.1 mmol/l but above 7.8 mmol/l indicates that the person doesn't have diabetes but does have IGT.'
Which lipid abnormalities are most likely to be detected in a patient with type 2 diabetes? →Small dense LDL molecules
Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)
Indications
• Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes state.
Normal level → < 42 mmol/mol (< 6%)
An HbA1c of 6.5% is recommended as the cut point for diagnosing diabetes.
Prediabetes → 42 – 47 mmol/mol (6.0 – 6.4%)
Diabetes mellitus → ≥ 6.5%
• Measure of long-term glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus.
Reflects average blood glucose over the previous 2 - 3 months.
Follow up intervals
• NICE recommend 'HbA1c should be checked every 3-6 months until stable, then 6
monthly'.
Methods of reporting :
• Percentage vs mmol/mol
A new internationally standardised method for reporting HbA1c has been developed
by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC). This will report HbA1c in
mmol per mol of haemoglobin without glucose attached.
HBA1c (%)
IFCC-HbA1c (mmol/mol)
• Estimated average glucose
HBA1c (%) Average plasma glucose (mmol/l)
5.5
7.5
9.5
11.5
13.5
15.5
17.5
19.5
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
• Equations
New mmol/mol = [Old % – 2.15] x 10.929
Old % = [New mmol/mol divided by 10.929] + 2.15
Average plasma glucose = (2 * HbA1c) - 4.5
HbA1c targets • For diabetic patient on lifestyle + metformin → 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) • For diabetic patient on drug which may cause hypoglycaemia (e.g. lifestyle + sulfonylurea) → 53 mmol/mol (7.0%)
Unexpected or discordant HA1C values • When there is a disparity between the A1C values and blood glucose values, we rely on the glucose values. • Use frequent glucose monitoring . Fructosamine or glycated albumin may be useful alternatives.
The level of HbA1c therefore is dependent on: • red blood cell lifespan • average blood glucose concentration
Falsely high A1C values
•
Low red cell turnover
vitamin B12
folate deficiency anemia.
•
Splenectomy : spleen removes old RBCs. Not having a spleen increases RBC life span.
Falsely low A1C values
•
Rapid red cell turnover
Chronic hemolysis (eg, thalassemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
deficiency);
patients treated for iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency; and patients treated with
erythropoietin.
•
Blood transfusion (factitiously low A1C level)
•
Advanced chronic kidney disease , haemodialysis
•
Alcohol consumption
•
Sudden weight loss
If A1C is higher than expected based on the mean glucose results
•
Do fingerstick blood glucose levels between meals or short-term use of continuous glucose
monitoring (CGM) to evaluate glucose patterns. One explanation is that the postprandial
glucose is higher than pre-prandial test results that patients typically obtain.
•
Exclude factors, which can falsely elevate the A1C (eg, low red cell turnover).
If the A1C is lower than expected based on the mean glucose results
•
Do fingerstick blood glucose monitoring or CGM to detect nocturnal hypoglycemia,
hypoglycemic unawareness, and/or frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. it is possible that
blood glucose levels are low during times when testing is not being performed (such as
undetected nocturnal hypoglycemia).
•
Exclude factors, which can falsely decrease the A1C (eg, rapid red cell turnover).
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Diabetes mellitus: management of type 2
General aim of management
• Reduce the incidence of macrovascular (ischaemic heart disease, stroke) and
microvascular (eye, nerve and kidney damage) complications.
Risk factor modification
• Blood pressure
target is < 140/80 mmHg (or < 130/80 mmHg if end-organ damage is present)
ACE inhibitors are first-line
• Antiplatelets
should not be offered unless a patient has existing cardiovascular disease
• Lipids
only patients with a 10-year cardiovascular risk > 10% (using QRISK2) should be
offered a statin.
The first-line statin of choice is atorvastatin 20mg on
HbA1c targets
•
HbA1c should be checked every 3-6 months until stable, then 6 monthly
•
NICE encourage us to consider relaxing targets on 'a case-by-case basis, with particular
consideration for people who are older or frail, for adults with type 2 diabetes'
•
According to NICE guidelines, the HbA1c targets are now dependent on treatment:
•
Lifestyle or single drug treatment
Management of T2DM
HbA1c target
Lifestyle alone or + metformin
48 mmol/mol (6.5%)
Includes any drug which may cause
hypoglycaemia (e.g. lifestyle + sulfonylurea)
53 mmol/mol (7.0%)
Be aware that there are other possible reasons for a low HbA1c level, for example, deteriorating renal function or sudden weight loss.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose
•
Indications
person is on insulin or oral medication that may increase their risk of hypoglycaemia
while driving or operating machinery.
evidence of hypoglycaemic episodes or to confirm suspected hypoglycaemia.
pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.
when starting treatment with oral or intravenous corticosteroids
Patient who is taking metformin for T2DM: • if the HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol (7.5%): titrate up metformin and encourage lifestyle changes to aim for a HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%). • if the HbA1c rises to 58 mmol/mol (7.5%): add a second drug
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Lifestyle modification
•
Dietary advice
Encourage high‑ fibre, low‑ glycaemic‑ index sources of carbohydrate, such as fruit,
vegetables, wholegrains and pulses
Include low‑ fat dairy products and oily fish
Control the intake of foods containing saturated and trans fatty acids.
limited substitution of sucrose‑ containing foods for other carbohydrate in the meal
plan is allowable, but that they should take care to avoid excess energy intake.
Discourage use of foods marketed specifically at people with diabetes
•
Losing weight
Initial target weight loss in an overweight person is 5-10%
•
Physical activity
Drug treatment
• First line
offer standard release metformin
titrate up metformin and encourage lifestyle changes to aim for a HbA1c of 48
mmol/mol (6.5%),
If gastrointestinal side effects are not tolerated, then a trial of modified release
metformin would be appropriate.
If metformin is not tolerated at all then a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, sulfonylurea
or pioglitazone would be indicated.
• Second line
should only add a second drug if the HbA1c rises to 58 mmol/mol (7.5%)
there is more flexibility in the second stage of treating patients (i.e. after metformin
has been started) - you now have a choice of 4 oral antidiabetic agents
Second line for patient who tolerates metformin:
add one of the: Sulfonylurea, Gliptin, pioglitazone or SGLT-2 inhibitor
(dual therapy)
If despite the dual therapy, the HbA1c remains above 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) or
increased then triple therapy with one of the following combinations should
be offered:
metformin + gliptin + sulfonylurea
metformin + pioglitazone + sulfonylurea
metformin + sulfonylurea + SGLT-2 inhibitor
metformin + pioglitazone + SGLT-2 inhibitor
OR insulin therapy should be considered
Second line if metformin is not tolerated or contraindicated:
Consider one of the: Sulfonylurea, Gliptin or pioglitazone
if the HbA1c has risen to 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) then add one of the following
(Dual therapy):
gliptin + pioglitazone
gliptin + sulfonylurea
pioglitazone + sulfonylurea
if despite this the HbA1c rises to, or remains above 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) then
consider insulin therapy
• Third line
If triple therapy is not effective, not tolerated or contraindicated then NICE advise
that we consider combination therapy with metformin, a sulfonylurea and a glucagonlike peptide1 (GLP1) mimetic if:
BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² and specific psychological or other medical problems
associated with obesity or
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
BMI < 35 kg/m² and for whom insulin therapy would have significant
occupational implications or weight loss would benefit other significant obesity
related comorbidities.
Starting insulin
•
If HbA1c remains > 58 mmol/mol (DCCT = 7.5%) inspite of maximum tolerated oral therapy,
then consider human insulin
•
Metformin should be continued. In terms of other drugs NICE advice: 'Review the continued
need for other blood glucose lowering therapies'
•
NICE recommend starting with human NPH insulin (isophane, intermediate acting) taken at
bed-time or twice daily according to need.
•
Consider using insulin detemir or insulin glargine as an alternative to NPH insulin, if:
the person needs assistance to inject insulin, so as to reduce the frequency of
injections from twice to once daily.
recurrent symptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes
the person need twice‑ daily NPH injections in combination with oral
glucose‑ lowering drugs.
•
Consider starting both NPH and short‑ acting insulin (particularly if the person's HbA1c is
75 mmol/mol [9.0%] or higher), administered either: separately or as a pre-mixed (biphasic)
human insulin preparation.
•
Consider pre-mixed (biphasic) preparations that include short‑ acting insulin analogues,
rather than pre‑ mixed (biphasic) preparations that include short‑ acting human insulin
preparations, if:
a person prefers injecting insulin immediately before a meal or
hypoglycaemia is a problem or
blood glucose levels rise markedly after meals.
•
For patients who are on pre-mixed (biphasic) insulin and uncontrolled blood glucose,
consider:
further injection of short-acting insulin before meals OR
change to a basal bolus regimen with NPH insulin or insulin detemir or insulin
glargine.
Special considerations
•
If the patient is at risk from hypoglycaemia (or the consequences of) then a DPP-4 inhibitor
or thiazolidinedione should be considered rather than a sulfonylurea
•
Meglitinides (insulin secretagogues) should be considered for patients with an erratic
lifestyle
•
You can consider using sitagliptin or a thiazolidinedione instead of insulin if there
would be employment (eg: truck driver), social, recreational, or personal issues.
•
In patients with diabetes starting thyroxine, doses of antidiabetic drugs including insulin
may need to be increased.
Diabetes associated with pancreatitis is due to damage to the endocrine pancreas and
associated lack of insulin. the patient’s presentation: thin, with symptoms of insulinopaenia. As
such, exogenous insulin replacement is the only appropriate intervention
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Which laboratory test results would be most significantly associated with an increased
incidence of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetics?
•
Raised proinsulin levels
January 2013 exam: A taxi driver with type 2 DM , on metformin and the dose was titrated
up. His HbA1c one year ago was 75 mmol/mol (9%) and is now 69 mmol/mol (8.5%). His BMI
33 kg/m². What is the most appropriate next step in management?
•
Add sitagliptin ( because DPP-4 inhibitors are weight neutral & no risk of hypoglycaemia)
September 2010 exam: H/O (T2DM) & bladder cancer on gliclazide and atorvastatin. A
recent trial of metformin was unsuccessful due to gastrointestinal side-effects. He works as
an accountant; is a non-smoker his BMI is 31 kg/m². HisHbA1c = 62 mmol/mol (7.8%) What
is the most appropriate next step in management?
•
Add sitagliptin (Pioglitazone is contraindicated in bladder cancer and may contribute to
his obesity. he does not meet the NICE body mass index criteria of 35 kg/m².)
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Biguanides (metformin)
Mechanism of action
•
Inhibits mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD) → ↓ hepatic
gluconeogenesis and intestinal glucose absorption
•
Increases peripheral insulin sensitivity → ↑ peripheral glucose uptake and glycolysis
Indications • type 2 diabetes mellitus • polycystic ovarian syndrome • non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Action of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: • metformin →↓ Insulin resistance → ↑peripheral glucose uptake → ↓ hyperinsulinaemia which implicated in pathogenesis of PCOS.
Advantages
•
Glycemic efficacy: lowers HbA1c by 1.2–2% over 3 months
•
Weight loss
•
No risk of hypoglycemia
•
Beneficial effect on dyslipidemia
•
Reduce macrovascular complications and death (superior to sulphonylureas and insulin
in terms of macrovascular risk, e.g. myocardial infarction).
Adverse effects
•
Gastrointestinal upsets are common (nausea, anorexia, diarrhoea), intolerable in 20%
commonly occur if not slowly titrated up.
The BNF advises leaving at least 1 week before increasing the dose.
modified release preparations reduce the risk further.
High dose metformin interfere with the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts, leading
to reduced reabsorption of bile salts from the ilieum → chronic diarrhoea .
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
Associated with long-term treatment with metformin
The possibility of metformin-associated B12deficiency should be considered in
patients on metformin who suffer cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy,
subacute combined degeneration of the cord or anaemia.
•
Lactic acidosis with severe liver disease or renal failure
It is rare, although it remains important in the context of exams
The patients usually have severe renal impairment.
factors increases the risk of metformin lactic acidosis:
Tissue hypoxia, e.g. recent myocardial infarction, sepsis, acute kidney injury
and severe dehydration.
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
The (BNF) states that there should be a six week "cooling off"
period post-MI before the commencement or recommencement of
metformin.
Contrast radiography. : metformin should be discontinued on the day of
the procedure and for 48 hours thereafter
Excess alcohol intake
Drugs: Cyclosporin, aminoglycosides, cimetidine (Metformin is excreted by
the renal tubules and this process can be inhibited by cimetidine, but not the
other H2 receptor antagonists).
The mainstay of treatment is rehydration.
correction of acidosis with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate.
Patients with resistant acidosis should be considered for haemodialysis, which
also clears metformin.
Despite aggressive treatment, mortality still 50%.
High dose (> 2 gm daily) interferes with enterohepatic circulation of the bile salts (Bile salt malabsorption) → diarrhoea
Contraindications
•
Chronic kidney disease:
NICE recommend that the dose should be reviewed if the creatinine is > 130 mmol/l
(or eGFR < 45 ml/min) (reduce the those and monitor renal function every three
months) and stopped if the creatinine is > 150 mmol/l (or eGFR < 30 ml/min) (stage
four chronic kidney disease (CKD 4)
•
Alcohol abuse is a relative contraindication→ ↑risk of lactic acidosis
•
Intravenous iodinated contrast medium
•
Heart failure (NYHA III and IV), respiratory failure, shock, sepsis
•
Alcoholism
Sulphonylureas
Mechanism of action • Block ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) of the pancreatic β cells → depolarization of the cell membrane → calcium influx → insulin secretion
Side effects
•
Life-threatening hypoglycemia; increased risk with the following :
Age over 65 years
Simultaneous intake of CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., amiodarone, trimethoprim,
fluconazole)
Patients with renal failure
more common with long acting sulphonylureas such as chlorpropamide and
glyburide (glibenclamide).
• Weight gain
• syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH)
• bone marrow suppression
• liver damage (cholestatic)
• photosensitivity
• Hematological changes: granulocytopenia, hemolytic anemia
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Notes & Notes for MRCP By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
159
• Chlorpropamide & tolbutamide → disulfiram-like reaction following alcohol intake
(alcohol intolerance).
alcohol intake with Chlorpropamide & tolbutamide → inhibits aldehyde
dehydrogenase (the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of acetaldehyde) →
accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde → disulfiram-like effect (a drug used to treat
alcoholism) → (facial flushing, erythema, paraesthesia of the extremities, nausea
and vomiting, tachycardia, and hypotension).
Contraindications
• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Severe cardiovascular comorbidity
• Severe liver and kidney failure
• Obesity
• Beta blockers (can mask hypoglycemic symptoms while lowering serum glucose levels)
The combination of beta-blockers and hypoglycemia should be avoided:
•
Beta-blockers may mask the warning signs of hypoglycemia (e.g., tachycardia) and
decrease serum glucose levels even further.
Agents
•
Glibenclamide
long-acting sulfonylurea
associated with a greater risk of hypoglycaemia, therefore, should be avoided in the
elderly, and shorter-acting alternatives, such as gliclazide or tolbutamide, should be
used instead
Renally excreted: renal impairment →↑ risk of hypoglycaemia
• Gliclazide
intermediate half-life of around 11 hours.
causes less hypoglycemia than other sulfonylureas.
extensively metabolised within the liver by CYP2C9. Renal clearance accounts for
only 4% of total drug clearance. In CKD stage 1, 2, 3 (eGFR > 30 mL/min) gliclazide
can be used safely. in patients with severe CKD → reduced dose can be used
gliclazide action can be potentiated predominantly by two mechanisms:
Displacement of the drug from plasma proteins to give freer (unbound) drug -
some agents such as aspirin can do this, and
Interference with the hepatic metabolism of the drug.(e.g fluconazole )
•
Glipizide
metabolized by the liver into inactive metabolites and therefore, renal insufficiency
does not affect the drug's clearance.
the best choice of sulfonylureas in a patient with renal impairment (no need for
dose adjustment).
• Chlorpropamide
has a higher side effect profile
may produce a syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) secretion.
Sulphonylurea provide microvascular benefits, but NO benefit was demonstrated for macrovascular outcomes (cardiovascular disease), in contrast to metformin.
Sulphonylurea overdoses: In sulphonylurea overdoses, if the patient remains hypoglycaemic despite infusion of sufficient glucose, consider administration of octreotide (a somatostatin analogue which lowers insulin levels and thus raised blood glucose)
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Meglitinides
Meglitinides (nateglinide and repaglinide) → increase postprandial insulin release specifically
Agents • Repaglinide • Nateglinide
Action → closure of the β-cell K+-ATP channel. • Short-acting insulin secretagogues • Blockage of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels of the pancreatic beta cells → depolarization of the cell membrane → calcium influx → insulin secretion • Act like sulfonylureas but have a weaker binding affinity and faster dissociation from the SUR1 binding site of the pancreatic channel.
Indications • useful for post-prandial hyperglycaemia or an erratic eating schedule, as patients take them shortly before meals
Advantages
•
The shorter action of duration result in less weight gain compared to sulphonylureas.
•
Nateglinide is useful for shift workers and patients who tend to fast for a period of time
because doses can be skipped when meals are missed. In these patient groups there may
be a lower incidence of hyperglycaemia.
•
Repaglinide can be used even in CKD stages 4 and 5 without dose reduction.
Adverse effects • weight gain and hypoglycaemia (less so than sulfonylureas)
Thiazolidinediones (glitazones, insulin sensitizers)
Mechanism of action: Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor (PPAR) gamma agonists → increase peripheral insulin sensitivity
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Agents
•
Pioglitazone
•
Rosiglitazone: was withdrawn in 2010 following concerns about cardiovascular side-effect
profile.
Pioglitazone metabolism
•
mainly by CYP2C8 cytochrome P450 enzyme pathway
Mechanism of action
•
Agonists to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma)
receptor → ↑ transcription of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism → ↑ levels of
adipokines such as adiponectin and insulin sensitivity → ↑ storage of fatty acids in
adipocytes, ↓ products of lipid metabolism (e.g., free fatty acids) → ↓ free fatty acids
in circulation → ↑ glucose utilization and ↓ hepatic glucose production.
Metformin also boosts insulin sensitivity, but pioglitazone has more effect on
peripheral insulin resistance.
PPAR-gamma receptor
•
an intracellular nuclear receptor.
•
Its natural ligands are free fatty acids
•
it is thought to control adipocyte differentiation and function.
•
activated by free fatty acids and thiazolinediones such as pioglitazone.
Indications
•
may be considered as monotherapy in patients with severe renal failure and/or
contraindications for insulin
• NICE guidance advice that: only continue thiazolidinediones if there is a reduction of >
0.5 percentage points in HbA1c in 6 months
Advantages
•
Glycemic efficacy: lowers HbA1c by 1% in 3 months
•
Favorable effect on lipid metabolism: ↓ triglyceride, ↓ LDL, ↑ HDL
•
No risk of hypoglycemia
•
associated with the lowest rate of secondary beta-cell failure. Sulfonylureas are
associated with the highest rate
Side effects
•
↑ Risk of heart failure
•
↑ Risk of bone fractures (osteoporosis). due to reduced osteoblast activity → reduced
bone mineral density.
•
Fluid retention and edema
the risk of fluid retention is increased if the patient also takes insulin , or other
drugs that cause fluid retention (for example, NSAIDs, calcium antagonists)
•
Weight gain
•
Rosiglitazone: ↑ risk of cardiovascular complications like cardiac infarction or death
•
Bladder cancer
•
liver impairment: monitor LFTs
Contraindications
•
Congestive heart failure (NYHA III or IV)
•
Liver failure
•
Pioglitazone: history of bladder cancer or active bladder cancer; macrohematuria of
unknown origin
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Insulin: Basics
Structure
•
Insulin is a peptide hormone , composed of 51 amino acids. It is a dimer of an A-chain and
a B-chain, which are linked together by disulfide bonds.
Production
•
Insulin is produced in the pancreatic beta cell by proteolytic cleavage from pro-insulin
resulting in c-peptide which is secreted together with insulin in a 1:1 molar ratio.
Secretion
•
Insulin is stored in secretory granules
•
Released by beta cells as a result of increased intracellular calcium.
•
Released in pulses about every 9-13 minutes.
This pulsing release mechanism is important because it is thought that this keeps
cells sensitive to insulin.
this is one of the first things that disappears when insulin sensitivity
disappears.
•
Secreted in response to hyperglycaemia
C-peptide
•
a protein cleaved from proinsulin when it is activated.
•
has a longer half-life than insulin, and thus is a useful measure of insulin secretion (it is
more accurate than measuring insulin itself).
•
The level of this can be measured in the urine.
Insulin and C peptide are ↑ in insulinoma and sulfonylurea use, whereas exogenous insulin
lacks C-peptide.
Functions
•
Insulin binds to insulin receptors (a type of tyrosine kinase receptor) located in various
tissues in the body → acts as an anabolic hormone in target tissues (e.g., liver, skeletal
muscle, adipose tissue).
•
Carbohydrate metabolism
Stimulate Glycogenesis (glycogen synthesis from glucose by glycogen synthase,
and glycogen branching enzyme. Triggered by high serum insulin concentrations.) in
muscle and liver
Stimulate Glycolysis (converts glucose to pyruvate and produces ATP and NADH as
byproducts.) in adipose and muscle
Inhibits Glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen by glycogen phosphorylase)
Inhibits Gluconeogenesis (produces glucose from noncarbohydrate substances
such as amino acids, triglycerides, and glycerol.) (Insulin inhibit pyruvate
carboxylase which used in gluconeogenesis)
Inhibits Production and release of glucagon
•
Lipid metabolism
Stimulate Lipid synthesis and triglyceride storage in adipose tissue
Inhibits Lipolysis (breakdown of lipids)
Inhibits Ketogenesis (production of ketone bodies by HMG-CoA synthase).
Thiazolidinediones are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer
Pioglitazone may cause fluid retention
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
• Protein metabolism Stimulate Protein synthesis in muscle tissue Stimulate Uptake of amino acids Inhibits Proteolysis
• Increases cellular uptake of potassium (via stimulation of Na+/K+ ATPase pump)
Insulin therapy Insulin types • Rapid-acting insulin analogues (Aspart, Lispro, Glulisine) Onset: 5 mins Peak: 1 hour Duration: 3-5 hours Reduces the chance of between-meal hypoglycaemia. Useful for reducing postprandial hypoglycaemia because their profile is more in keeping with physiological insulin release. If there is a pre-lunch hyperglycaemia, that means there is a significant postbreakfast peak in glucose levels. As such, the best management → breakfast time injection of rapid acting insulin. • Short-acting insulins (Actrapid, Humulin S) Onset: 30 mins Peak: 3 hours Duration: 6-8 hours may be used as the bolus dose in 'basal-bolus' regimes “Standard insulin” for lowering blood glucose levels in an acute setting Intravenous therapy available
• Intermediate-acting insulins (Isophane [NPH])
Onset: 2 hours
Peak: 5-8 hours
Duration: 12-18 hours
NICE guidelines advise that, in general, a humane isophane insulin is the firstline recommended insulin in type 2 diabetic.
• Long-acting insulins (Determir, Glargine)
Onset: 1-2 hours
Peak: Flat profile
Duration: Up to 24 hours
The main advantage → Reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia
might be useful in someone who struggles to inject a twice a day NPH insulin to
reduce the frequency of injections to once a day (e.g. someone who requires
assistance to inject from a career or district nurse).
suitable for providing a basal level of insulin which attempts to mimic the normal
physiological state.
In which situations does insulin glargine have the clearest advantage over
isophane?
In patients with type-1 diabetes who have significant nocturnal
hypoglycaemia on isophane
NICE only recommends use of insulin glargine in patients who have significant
hypoglycaemia on isophane insulin
Detemir is the only long-acting insulin that is soluble in the bottle as well as
under the skin, possibly allowing for more consistent absorption.
Notes & Notes for MRCP
By Dr. Yousif Abdallah Hamad
Chapter 1
Endocrinolog & Metabolism
Detemir can be administered with other forms of insulin, unlike insulin glargine, which cannot be mixed with other insulins or IV fluids due to its acid vehicle. Degludec a long-acting insulin. Onset: ~1 hour Half-life elimination: ~25 hours (has the highest half-life) Time to peak: 9 hours
Rapid-acting insulins are your favorite GAL (Glulisine, Aspart, Lispro).
Intravenous insulin is the optimal management of high blood sugar in acute myocardial infarction.
Insulin prescription
•
Starting dose
The guidelines recommend starting with either morning or evening long-acting
insulin, or with bedtime intermediate acting insulin.
0.2 U/kg or a flat dose of 10 U is the recommended starting dose for
intermediate acting insulin.
• Targets
Fasting and pre-prandial glucose levels → 4-7 mmol/L .
Post-prandial glucose levels : less than 10 mmol/L.
In hospitalised patients the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient care (JBDS)
suggest a target blood glucose of 6-10mmol/L
• Monitoring
If patients are not using insulin, sulphonylureas or glinides (repaglinide or
netaglinide), then the ADA/EASD consensus does not recommend selfmonitoring of blood glucose levels.
Once daily long-acting insulin taken at night is monitored using pre-breakfast fasting
glucose measurements. If fasting levels are in range yet the HbA1c is elevated, postprandial monitoring is recommended.
• Dose adjustment
Pre-prandial glucose: Mainly affected by the basal insulin dose
Postprandial glucose is mainly affected by meal intake and prandial insulin dose.
At least three consecutive, self-monitored fasting glucose readings should be used to
adjust doses (i.e. three days minimum between dose adjustments).
Up-titration
increase 2 U of insulin every three days until fasting glucose is in the target
range of 3.9-7.2 mmol/L. If the fasting plasma glucose is ˃10 mmol/L, →
uptitration schedule of 4 U every three days can be used.
Down-titration
Reduce insulin dose in steps of 20% if hypoglycaemia occurs.
• Insulin in renal failure
The dose of exogenous insulin is reduced 25% when eGFR is 10-50 mL/min and
50% when eGFR is < 10 mL/min
Degludec
A patient with recurrent admissions for DKA secondary to missing doses can be started on degludec to
reduce readmission rate.
Degludec has a much higher half-life than Detemir and therefore maintains a basal insulin level when the
patient omits or forgets doses. This can prevent DKA.
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