Considering Pramlintide Therapy for Postprandial Blood Glucose Control
Feature Article/Considering Pramlintide Therapy Considering Pramlintide Therapy for Postprandial Blood Glucose Control Belinda P. Childs, ARNP, MN, BC-ADM, CDE; Nicole C. Kesty, PhD; Eric Klein, MD; Richard Rubin, PhD, CDE; and Allison Wick, MSN, ARNP, CDE Abstract Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting Several therapeutic options are cur- > 20 million Americans, and its inci- rently available to address postprandi- dence, especially in the form of type 2 al glucose fluctuations, including diabetes, is increasing. Multiple thera- rapid-acting insulin analogs, incretin peutics are available that address the mimetics, dipeptidyl peptidase IV dysregulation of the multiple hor- inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors, mones responsible for glucose home- meglitinides, and amylinomimetics. ostasis. Despite the various options, This article presents the experiences of tight glycemic control is often elusive. three patients for whom pramlintide, Additionally, the pursuit of tight an amylinomimetic, was identified as glycemic control is generally accom- an appropriate therapeutic option. panied by various clinical challenges, Practical considerations for clinicians, such as hypoglycemia, weight gain, patient lifestyle factors, and percep- and glucose fluctuations, in particular, tions of pramlintide therapy are also postprandial fluctuations. presented. Diabetes, a chronic disease affecting postprandial hyperglycemia without ~ 20.8 million Americans,1 is character- causing concomitant weight gain, ized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting patients now have additional tools to from the body’s inadequate physiologi- manage their diabetes. cal response to glucose. In type 1 dia- betes, secretion of insulin and amylin Glucose Homeostasis into the circulatory system is absolutely Glucose homeostasis is maintained by deficient because of the destruction of a complex multihormonal system that pancreatic β-cells, whereas in type 2 continuously balances the appearance diabetes, secretion of insulin and and disappearance of glucose.
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