You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Pediatrics: General Medicine > Endocrinology Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2Article Last Updated: Jul 5, 2007AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Jean-Claude Desmangles, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University School of Medicine Jean-Claude Desmangles is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, and Endocrine Society Editors: Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD, Adjunct Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine; Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine.com, Inc; George P Chrousos, MD, FAAP, MACP, MACE, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School; Merrily P M Poth, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Arkansas and Arkansas Children's Hospital Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: diabetes mellitus type 2, type 2 diabetes mellitus, NIDDM, non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, adult-onset diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, diabetes, type 2 diabetes in children INTRODUCTIONBackgroundUntil recently, type 2 diabetes mellitus was almost exclusively a disease of adults. Coinciding with the increasing prevalence of obesity among American children, the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents has markedly increased to the point that it accounts for as many as one third of all the new cases of diabetes diagnosed in adolescents. This trend is particularly pronounced in minority racial and ethnic groups. PathophysiologyIn individuals without diabetes, approximately 50% of their total daily insulin is secreted during basal periods to suppress lipolysis, proteolysis, and glycogenolysis. In response to a meal, rapid insulin secretion (also called first-phase insulin secretion) ensues. This secretion facilitates the peripheral utilization of the prandial nutrient load, suppresses hepatic glucose production, and limits postprandial elevations in glucose levels. The second phase of insulin secretion follows and is sustained until normoglycemia is restored. Type 2 diabetes spans a continuum from impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose to frank diabetes resulting from progressive deterioration of both insulin secretion and action. Although the first phase of insulin response is markedly reduced early in the course of the disease, ongoing disorganized insulin secretion associated with deterioration of peripheral insulin action occurs during the progression from normal to impaired glucose tolerance to frank diabetes. In parallel, as a result of decreased insulin sensitivity in the liver, endogenous glucose output increase adds to the already hyperglycemic milieu, worsening both peripheral insulin resistance and beta-cell function. Failure of the beta cell to keep up with the peripheral insulin resistance is the basis for the progression from impaired glucose tolerance to overt clinical type 2 diabetes. A longitudinal study demonstrated that, during the transition between normal glucose tolerance to diabetes, 31% of the person's insulin-mediated glucose disposal capacity is lost, whereas 78% of the acute insulin response is also lost during the same period. FrequencyUnited StatesAlthough type 2 diabetes is widely diagnosed in adults, its frequency has increased markedly in the pediatric age group during the past decade. Type 2 diabetes represents 8-45% of all new cases of diabetes reported among children and adolescents. Most pediatric patients in whom type 2 diabetes is diagnosed belong to minority communities. InternationalAn increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes has also been recognized in countries other than the United States, including Japan, where the incidence has doubled during the past 2 decades. In the Chinese, Taiwanese, and indigenous people of Australia, a trend for type 2 diabetes to occur at younger ages than before has also been recognized. Mortality/MorbidityOverall, morbidity and mortality associated with type 2 diabetes are related to short- and long-term complications.
RaceType 2 diabetes primarily affects minority populations.
SexThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the pediatric population is higher among girls than boys, just as it is higher among women than men. AgeThe mean age of onset of type 2 diabetes is 12-16 years; this period coincides with puberty, when a physiologic state of insulin resistance develops. In this physiologic state, type 2 diabetes develops only if inadequate beta-cell function is associated with other risk factors (eg, obesity). CLINICALHistoryAt the time of diagnosis, determine whether a patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes because patients with type 1 diabetes are totally dependent on exogenous insulin administration for survival, whereas patients with type 2 diabetes do not necessarily require exogenous insulin to survive.
Physical
CausesThe major risk factors for type 2 diabetes in youths are the following:
DIFFERENTIALSDiabetes Mellitus, Type 1 Diabetic Ketoacidosis
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| Drug Name | Metformin (Glucophage) |
|---|---|
| Description | Use frequently results in weight loss and mild improvement of all aspects of lipid profile. Cannot be used in renal or hepatic insufficiency or decompensated congestive heart failure requiring pharmacologic therapy (increased risk for lactic acidosis). Because of GI adverse effects, titrate slowly and take during (rather than before) meals. Can be used as monotherapy or with sulfonylureas, glitazones, or insulin. Reduces hepatic glucose output, may decrease intestinal absorption of glucose, and may increase glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Major drug used in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Many patients tolerate metformin best if administered in middle or end of meal. Available as immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) products. Only IR approved for children. |
| Adult Dose | Initial IR dose: 500 mg PO bid Maintenance IR dose: 850 mg PO tid |
| Pediatric Dose | <10 years: Not established >10 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; acute myocardial infarction; septicemia; renal disease; decompensated liver disease |
| Interactions | Diuretics, thyroid products, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, calcium channel blocking drugs, and phenothiazines may decrease effects; cimetidine may increase levels |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | Caution in renal or hepatic insufficiency, decompensated heart failure, and hypoperfusion; discontinue before performing any surgical procedures or procedure involving use of contrast agent |
These agents promote insulin release from the pancreas.
| Drug Name | Acetohexamide (Dymelor) |
|---|---|
| Description | Increases insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. |
| Adult Dose | 250 mg/d PO qd; may increase by 250-500 mg q5-7d to maximum 1.5 g/d; patients receiving > 1 g may benefit from divided bid dosing |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ketoacidosis; type 1 diabetes mellitus |
| Interactions | Clofibrate, fenfluramine, histamine H2 antagonists, androgens, azole antifungals, anticoagulants, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, magnesium salts, methyldopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), probenecid, salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, urinary acidifiers, and sulfonamides may enhance hypoglycemic effects Nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives, isoniazid, hydantoins, estrogens, diazoxide, corticosteroids, cholestyramine, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines, rifampin, thiazide diuretics, urinary alkalinizers, and sympathomimetics may decrease hypoglycemic effects May increase effects of digitalis glycosides |
| Pregnancy | D - Unsafe in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Caution in hepatic and renal impairment; cardiovascular disorders may occur; risk factors include elderly age, malnutrition, irregular eating, impaired renal function, and possibly hepatic dysfunction (if prolonged or recurrent, strongly consider hospital admission); may cause rash, nausea, vomiting, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia (rare), intrahepatic cholestasis (rare), disulfiram reaction, flushing, headache, nausea, and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) causing hyponatremia |
| Drug Name | Chlorpropamide (Diabinese) |
|---|---|
| Description | May increase insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. |
| Adult Dose | 100-250 mg PO qd; not to exceed 750 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ketoacidosis; type 1 diabetes mellitus |
| Interactions | Clofibrate, fenfluramine, histamine H2 antagonists, androgens, azole antifungals, anticoagulants, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, magnesium salts, methyldopa, MAOIs, probenecid, salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, urinary acidifiers, and sulfonamides may enhance hypoglycemic effects Nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives, isoniazid, hydantoins, estrogens, diazoxide, corticosteroids, cholestyramine, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines, rifampin, thiazide diuretics, urinary alkalinizers, and sympathomimetics may decrease hypoglycemic effects May increase effects of digitalis glycosides |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Caution in hepatic and renal impairment; cardiovascular disorders may occur |
| Drug Name | Glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XR) |
|---|---|
| Description | Second-generation sulfonylurea that stimulates release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. |
| Adult Dose | IR product: 2.5-40 mg/d PO; not to exceed 15-20 mg/dose or 40 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; type I diabetes; ketoacidosis |
| Interactions | Beta-blockers, phenytoin, corticosteroids, and thiazides decrease hypoglycemic effects; cimetidine may increase hypoglycemic effects; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors enhance hypoglycemic activity |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Caution in renal or liver dysfunction; patients with trauma, infection, surgery, or stress may require insulin |
| Drug Name | Glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase, PresTab) |
|---|---|
| Description | Second-generation sulfonylurea. May start at high dose in patients with severe hyperglycemia or those with symptoms, if home glucose monitoring and close follow-up can be arranged. |
| Adult Dose | 5 mg/d PO initially in untreated patients with symptomatic hyperglycemia; not to exceed 20 mg/d PO |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ketoacidosis; type 1 diabetes mellitus |
| Interactions | Clofibrate, fenfluramine, histamine H2 antagonists, androgens, azole antifungals, anticoagulants, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, magnesium salts, methyldopa, MAOIs, probenecid, salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, urinary acidifiers, and sulfonamides may enhance hypoglycemic effects Nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives, isoniazid, hydantoins, estrogens, diazoxide, corticosteroids, cholestyramine, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines, rifampin, thiazide diuretics, urinary alkalinizers, and sympathomimetics may decrease hypoglycemic effects May increase effects of digitalis glycosides |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Caution in hepatic and renal impairment; cardiovascular disorders may occur; risk factors include elderly age, malnutrition, irregular eating, impaired renal function, and possibly hepatic dysfunction (if prolonged or recurrent, strongly consider hospital admission); may cause rash, nausea, vomiting, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia (rare), intrahepatic cholestasis (rare), disulfiram reaction, flushing, headache, nausea, and SIADH causing hyponatremia |
| Drug Name | Tolbutamide (Orinase) |
|---|---|
| Description | Increases insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. |
| Adult Dose | 500-1000 mg PO qd/tid; not to exceed 2 g/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ketoacidosis; type 1 diabetes mellitus |
| Interactions | Clofibrate, fenfluramine, histamine H2 antagonists, androgens, azole antifungals, anticoagulants, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, magnesium salts, methyldopa, MAOIs, probenecid, salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, urinary acidifiers, and sulfonamides may enhance hypoglycemic effects Nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives, isoniazid, hydantoins, estrogens, diazoxide, corticosteroids, cholestyramine, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines, rifampin, thiazide diuretics, urinary alkalinizers, and sympathomimetics may decrease hypoglycemic effects May increase effects of digitalis glycosides |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Caution in hepatic and renal impairment; cardiovascular disorders may occur; risk factors include elderly age, malnutrition, irregular eating, impaired renal function, and possibly hepatic dysfunction (if prolonged or recurrent, strongly consider hospital admission); may cause rash, nausea, vomiting, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia (rare), intrahepatic cholestasis (rare), disulfiram reaction, flushing, headache, nausea, and SIADH causing hyponatremia |
These agents promote short-term insulin secretion from the pancreas. They are designed to be taken immediately before meals.
| Drug Name | Repaglinide (Prandin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. |
| Adult Dose | 0.5-4 mg with meals; may dose preprandial bid/qid in response to meal pattern; not to exceed 16 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; diabetic ketoacidosis; type 1 diabetes |
| Interactions | Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors (eg, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, miconazole, and erythromycin) decrease metabolism increasing serum levels and effects; thiazides, diuretics, corticosteroids, estrogens, oral contraceptives, nicotinic acid, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazides, and thyroid products may lead to loss of glycemic control; toxicity is increased with highly protein-bound drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sulfonamides, anticoagulants, hydantoins, salicylates, and phenylbutazone; increases warfarin effect |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Caution in hepatic impairment; if patient exposed to stress, may require insulin therapy because of loss of glycemic control; cardiovascular disorders may occur |
| Drug Name | Nateglinide (Starlix) |
|---|---|
| Description | Amino acid derivative that stimulates insulin secretion from pancreas, which in turn reduces blood glucose levels. Action depends on functional beta cells in pancreatic islets. Interacts with ATP-sensitive potassium channel on pancreatic beta cells. Stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion within 20 min of PO administration. |
| Adult Dose | 120 mg PO tid within 30 min ac; may decrease to 60 mg PO tid ac for patients near HbA1c goal |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; diabetic ketoacidosis |
| Interactions | Metabolized by CYP2C9 (70%) and CYP3A4 (30%); may inhibit CYP2C9; CYP2C9 inhibitors (eg, NSAIDs, fluvoxamine, cimetidine) may decrease elimination; CYP2C9 inducers (eg, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin) may enhance elimination; coadministration with NSAIDs, salicylates, MAOIs, and nonselective beta-blocking agents may potentiate hypoglycemic effects; thiazides, corticosteroids, thyroid products, and sympathomimetics may reduce hypoglycemic effects |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Reduce dose in hepatic impairment; may cause hypoglycemia; monitor glucose and HbA1C; may cause GI distress |
These agents lower postprandial glucose by slowing glucose absorption; they also delay the hydrolysis of ingested complex carbohydrates and disaccharide. They must be taken immediately before meals.
| Drug Name | Acarbose (Precose) |
|---|---|
| Description | Delays hydrolysis of ingested complex carbohydrates and disaccharides and absorption of glucose. Inhibits metabolism of sucrose to glucose and fructose. |
| Adult Dose | 25 mg PO tid initially with first bite of food at each meal; adjust at 4-8 wk on basis of 1 h postprandial glucose levels and tolerance; uptitrate slowly by 12.5-25 mg/dose; not to exceed maximum of 100 mg tid |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ketoacidosis; cirrhosis; inflammatory bowel disease; colonic ulceration; partial intestinal obstruction or predisposition to intestinal obstruction |
| Interactions | May decrease serum digoxin levels; may increase hypoglycemic effects of sulfonylureas |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | Temporary loss of glucose control seen in stress resulting from fever, trauma, infection, or surgery, which may require temporary insulin therapy |
| Drug Name | Miglitol (Glyset) |
|---|---|
| Description | Delays glucose absorption in small intestine and lowers postprandial hyperglycemia. |
| Adult Dose | 25 mg PO tid with first bite of food at each meal; increase dose to 50 mg tid after 4-8 wk; not to exceed 100 mg tid |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; diabetic ketoacidosis; colonic ulceration; partial intestinal obstruction or predisposition to intestinal obstruction; inflammatory bowel disease |
| Interactions | May decrease absorption and bioavailability of digoxin, propranolol, and ranitidine; digestive enzymes such as amylase and pancreatin may reduce effects of miglitol; may increase hypoglycemic potential of sulfonylureas |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | May cause GI symptoms; not recommended for patients with significant renal dysfunction |
The first of this class, troglitazone was removed from the US market due to fatal hepatic necrosis.
Rosiglitazone is an antidiabetic agent (thiazolidinedione derivative) that improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity. The drug is highly selective and is a potent agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). Activation of PPAR-gamma receptors regulates insulin-responsive gene transcription involved in glucose production, transport, and use, thereby reducing blood glucose concentrations and reducing hyperinsulinemia. Potent PPAR-gamma agonists have been shown to increase the incidence of edema.
The controversial results of a recently published meta-analysis reporting the increased risk of myocardial infarction and heart-related death in patients treated with rosiglitazone prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue an alert on
For more information, see The FDA's Safety Alert on Avandia. The online meta-analysis is titled "Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Death from Cardiovascular Causes." Additionally, responses to the controversy can be viewed at the Heartwire news (theheart.org from WebMD) including the following articles:
| Drug Name | Rosiglitazone (Avandia) |
|---|---|
| Description | Insulin sensitizer with major effect in stimulation of glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Lowers plasma insulin levels. Used to treat type 2 diabetes associated with insulin resistance. |
| Adult Dose | 4-8 mg/d qd or divided bid |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; active liver disease; ketoacidosis; type 1 diabetes |
| Interactions | In combination with insulin or oral hypoglycemics (eg, sulfonylureas) may increase risk for hypoglycemia |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Monitor transaminases; discontinue if alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level rises above 3X upper limit of reference range; caution in edema and congestive heart failure; may decrease hemoglobin, hematocrit, and WBC counts |
| Drug Name | Pioglitazone (Actos) |
|---|---|
| Description | Improves target-cell response to insulin without increasing insulin secretion from pancreas. Decreases hepatic glucose output and increases insulin-dependent glucose use in skeletal muscle and, possibly, liver and adipose tissue. |
| Adult Dose | 15-30 mg PO qd; may increase; not to exceed 45 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; active liver disease; ketoacidosis; type 1 diabetes |
| Interactions | May reduce plasma concentrations of contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone; laboratory data suggest ketoconazole may inhibit metabolism (closely monitor blood glucose levels); combination with insulin or oral hypoglycemics (eg, sulfonylureas), may increase risk for hypoglycemia |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | Monitor transaminases; discontinue if ALT rises above 3X upper limit of reference range; caution in edema and congestive heart failure; may decrease hemoglobin, hematocrit, and WBC counts |
Exenatide enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta-cell, suppresses inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.
| Drug Name | Exenatide (Byetta) |
|---|---|
| Description | Incretin mimetic agent that mimics glucose-dependent insulin secretion and several other antihyperglycemic actions of incretins. Improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells, suppresses inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying. Drug's 39–amino acid sequence partially overlaps that of the human incretin, glucagonlike peptide-1. Indicated as adjunctive therapy to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who are taking metformin or a sulfonylurea but have not achieved glycemic control. |
| Adult Dose | 5 μg SC bid; administer at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the 2 main meals of the day, approximately 6 h or more apart) Based on clinical response, the dose of exenatide can be increased to 10 μg bid after 30 d of therapy |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Data limited; coadministration decreases digoxin Cmax and delays Tmax, decreases lovastatin AUC and Cmax, delays lisinopril Tmax, and decreases acetaminophen AUC and Cmax, but these pharmacokinetic alterations do not appear to be clinically significant; may decrease absorption of orally administered drugs (take drugs requiring rapid absorption, eg, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, at least 1 h before exenatide) |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established |
| Precautions | Do not administer after meals; administer in thigh, abdomen, or upper arm; may cause hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jittery feeling, dizziness, headache, or dyspepsia; may develop antibodies to protein contents |
Synthetic analogue of human amylin, a naturally occurring hormone made in pancreas beta cells. Slows gastric emptying, suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion, and regulates food intake through centrally mediated appetite modulation. Indicated to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes in combination with insulin. Administered before mealtime for patients who have not achieved desired glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy. Helps achieve lower blood glucose levels after meals, less fluctuation of blood glucose levels during the day, and improvement of long-term control of glucose levels (ie, Hgb A1C levels) compared with insulin alone. Additionally, less insulin use and reduction in body weight also observed.
| Drug Name | Pramlintide (Symlin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Synthetic analogue of human amylin, a naturally occurring hormone made in pancreas beta cells. Slows gastric emptying, suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion, and regulates food intake through centrally mediated appetite modulation. Indicated to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes in combination with insulin. Administered before mealtime for patients who have not achieved desired glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy. Helps achieve lower blood glucose levels after meals, less fluctuation of blood glucose levels during the day, and improvement of long-term control of glucose levels (ie, Hgb A1C levels) compared with insulin alone. Additionally, less insulin use and reduction in body weight also observed. |
| Adult Dose | Type 1: 15 μg SC ac initially; titrate upward in 15-μg increments (if no significant nausea occurs for 3-7 d) to maintenance dose of 30-60 μg/dose; insulin dose must initially be decreased during initiation phase; once target pramlintide dose achieved, optimize insulin to maintain glycemic control Type 2: 60 μg SC ac initially; titrate upward (if no significant nausea occurs for at least 3 d) to maintenance dose of 120 μg/dose; insulin dose must initially be decreased during initiation phase; once target pramlintide dose achieved, optimize insulin to maintain glycemic control |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity to pramlintide, any of its components, or metacresol; gastroparesis; hypoglycemia unawareness |
| Interactions | Do not use with other drugs that slow gastric emptying (eg, anticholinergic agents such as atropine) or drugs that slow intestinal nutrient absorption (eg, alpha-glucosidase); may delay absorption of concomitantly administered oral drugs, to avoid this effect; administer other drug 1 h before or 2 h after pramlintide |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established |
| Precautions | Increases risk of insulin-induced severe hypoglycemia, especially with type 1 diabetes or gastroparesis; reduce insulin dose in all patients (either type 2 or type 1) when initiating therapy (monitor blood glucose and adjust insulin dose during initiation phase); common adverse effects include GI complaints, especially nausea (incidence decreased when dose increased gradually); always use separate insulin syringe to measure and administer, do not mix in same syringe as insulin (insulin alters pharmacokinetics); may cause local redness, swelling, or itching at injection site; do not administer unless ingesting major meal (ie, >250 calories or 30 g of carbohydrates) |
This agent blocks the action of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DDP-4), which is known to degrade incretin.
| Drug Name | Sitagliptin (Januvia) |
|---|---|
| Description | First of new class of antidiabetic agents known as DPP-4 inhibitors. Blocks the enzyme DPP-4, which is known to degrade incretin hormones. Increases concentrations of active intact incretin hormones (GLP-1, GIP). The hormones stimulate insulin release in response to increased blood glucose levels following meals. This action enhances glycemic control. Indicated for diabetes type 2 as monotherapy or combined with metformin or a peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonist (eg, thiazolidinediones). |
| Adult Dose | 100 mg PO qd with or without food CrCl >30 to <50 mL/min: 50 mg PO qd CrCl <30 mL/min: 25 mg PO qd |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Data limited; caution with other drugs that decrease glucose |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks |
| Precautions | Common adverse effects include upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, and headache; assess renal function before initiating therapy and periodically thereafter; decrease dose with moderate or severe renal insufficiency |
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 excerpt
Article Last Updated: Jul 5, 2007