How does diazoxide slow insulin?
Oral diazoxide (Proglycem) works by acting as a chemical messenger to tell the cells that the blood glucose level needs to be increased. It does this by opening up the ATP sensitive potassium channels (KATP) channels which is part of the messenger system in our cells. Once the KATP channels are opened, it causes
- the pancreas to decrease the amount of insulin released
- liver to release more glucose
The insulin in our body reduces the blood sugar levels, so by reducing the amount of insulin that is released from the pancreas means that the blood sugar levels will increase. The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen, when the body needs more glucose the liver converts back into glucose and releases into the bloodstream.
What is oral diazoxide (Proglycem) use for?
Oral diazoxide is used to increase blood sugar levels in patients that have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that has been caused by specific medical conditions that increase the amount of insulin in the bloodstream. Oral diazoxide is only used when other specific medical therapy or surgical management has been unsuccessful.
Oral diazoxide (Proglycem) is NOT used to treat occasional low blood sugar caused by diet.
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Patient care while on oral diazoxide
The medical conditions that cause low blood glucose levels due to having too much insulin are often complex. Patients on oral diazoxide need to be under close observation by a health care team who are monitoring their clinical response and all relevant tests regularly.
Bottom line:
- Oral diazoxide (Proglycem) reduces the amount of insulin in the bloodstream by opening the cells KATP channels, which is part of our cells' messenger system.
- Oral diazoxide should only be used for specific medical conditions that cause high insulin levels, with resulting low blood glucose levels.
- Patients on oral diazoxide need to be closely monitored by their health care team.
References
Proflycem Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/proglycem.html
Congenital Hyperinsulinism Treatment & Management: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/923538-treatment#d7
Read next
Is Trulicity a form of insulin?
Trulicity is not a form of insulin, it mimics the effects of GLP-1 a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion. Trulicity is only suitable for people with type 2 diabetes who still have functioning insulin-producing cells in their pancreas. Continue reading
What are the different types of insulin?
Insulins are usually grouped as fast-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting. Within these groups, they can be further classified as human insulin and human insulin analogs. An insulin analog is a human insulin that has one or two amino acids changed which affects how quickly it is absorbed after injection and how fast or slow it acts. Insulin analogs are usually given within 15 minutes of a meal or at the same time as food. Continue reading
When does insulin lispro peak / how long does it last?
Lispro peaks 30 to 90 minutes after administration and lasts for less than five hours (usually two to four hours). Continue reading
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Drug information
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