Question

Which of the following is an anti-diabetic drug? (a) insulin (b) aspirin (c) penicillin (d) chloroquine

Short answer

(a) insulin is an anti-diabetic drug.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the term 'anti-diabetic drug'

Anti-diabetic drugs are used to control blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. These medications work in various ways to improve insulin function, increase insulin production, or reduce glucose absorption.

Analyze each option

Evaluate each given option: - (a) Insulin: A hormone used to lower blood sugar levels, essential for diabetes management. - (b) Aspirin: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug often used for pain relief and reducing inflammation. - (c) Penicillin: An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. - (d) Chloroquine: A medication primarily used to prevent and treat malaria.

Identify the anti-diabetic drug

From the options: - Insulin is directly involved in managing and treating diabetes. It helps in regulating blood glucose levels. - The other options, aspirin, penicillin, and chloroquine, are not related to diabetes management.

Key concepts

Insulin Function

Insulin is a crucial hormone that plays a vital role in the body's metabolism and is key to managing diabetes. It is produced by the pancreas and acts primarily to help cells in the body absorb glucose, which is then used for energy. When you eat, carbohydrates break down into glucose, raising the levels in your blood. This increase signals the pancreas to release insulin.

Insulin functions as a gatekeeper for cells, allowing glucose to enter and be used as fuel. Without proper insulin function, cells cannot absorb glucose efficiently, leading to elevated glucose levels in the blood. Conditions like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes arise from issues related to insulin. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, while in Type 2, the insulin produced is not used effectively by the body.

Understanding insulin function is key to comprehending how anti-diabetic drugs work to manage blood sugar levels. By mimicking or enhancing insulin's actions, these medications help control glucose levels effectively.

Glucose Absorption

Glucose absorption primarily takes place in the small intestine after carbohydrates have been broken down into simple sugars. Once absorbed, glucose enters the bloodstream, contributing to the overall blood glucose level. In a person with normal glucose metabolism, insulin efficiently aids cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream.

Abnormal glucose absorption can lead to various health issues. For instance, if glucose remains in the bloodstream because it’s not effectively moved into cells, it can lead to consistently high blood glucose levels. This is often seen in individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Anti-diabetic drugs sometimes aim to help manage glucose absorption, either by slowing down the process so the body can handle glucose better, or by ensuring insulin is sufficient to aid in this absorption.

Blood Glucose Levels

Blood glucose levels refer to the concentration of sugar in the bloodstream. These levels fluctuate throughout the day, influenced by meals, activity, and medication. In healthy individuals, blood glucose typically remains within a narrow range due to the balancing act of insulin and other hormones.

In diabetic patients, maintaining blood glucose levels within a target range is crucial to avoid complications. Consistently high levels, known as hyperglycemia, can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney issues. Conversely, hypoglycemia is a condition where blood glucose drops too low, leading to symptoms like dizziness and confusion.

Anti-diabetic drugs, such as insulin and others, are instrumental in keeping these levels stable. They work by assisting the function of insulin in the body, enhancing insulin production, or minimizing glucose absorption, thereby ensuring blood glucose levels remain balanced.