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Review Question - QID 109069

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QID 109069 (Type "109069" in App Search)
A 43-year-old female presents to her endocrinologist for a new patient appointment. She initially presented three months ago as a referral for a new diagnosis of type II diabetes mellitus. At that time, her HbA1c was found to be 8.8%, and she was started on metformin. Her metformin was quickly uptitrated to the maximum recommended dose. At the same visit, her body mass index (BMI) was 31 kg/m^2, and the patient was counseled on the importance of diet and exercise for achieving better glycemic control. Today, the patient reports complete adherence to metformin as well as her other home medications of atorvastatin and lisinopril. She also started a daily walking routine and has lost two pounds. Her HbA1c today is 7.6%, and her BMI is stable from her last visit. The patient is discouraged by her slow weight loss, and she would like to lose an additional 5-10 pounds.

Which of the following would be the best choice as a second agent in this patient?

Exenatide

58%

28/48

Glipizide

15%

7/48

Repaglinide

8%

4/48

Pioglitazone

10%

5/48

Sitagliptin

6%

3/48

Select Answer to see Preferred Response

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This patient presents needing a second agent to achieve glycemic control and desiring to lose additional weight. Since GLP-1 mimetics have been shown to cause weight loss, exenatide would be the best choice as a second agent for this patient.

In patients with inadequate glycemic control on metformin and HbA1c >8.5%, a second pharmacologic agent may be added. The choice of a second agent depends upon multiple factors, including the risk of hypoglycemia and patient preference. A sulfonylurea like glipizide is often used, although a meglitinide (e.g. repaglinide), thiazolidinedione (e.g. pioglitazone), or GLP-1 agonist (e.g. exenatide) may also be used as second-line therapy. GLP-1 agonists in particular have been shown to cause weight loss and are often specifically used to take advantage of that side effect.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 2: Glipizide is a sulfonylurea, which stimulates postprandial insulin release by closing the potassium channel on the beta-cell membrane. They have been shown to cause hypoglycemia and weight gain.

Answer 3: Repaglinide is a meglitinide, which similarly stimulates postprandial insulin release by binding to potassium channels on the beta-cell membrane. Like sulfonylureas, they have been shown to cause hypoglycemia and weight gain.

Answer 4: Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione (TZD), which increases peripheral insulin sensitivity by binding to the PPAR-gamma nuclear transcription regulator. They have been shown to cause weight gain, peripheral edema resulting in congestive heart failure, and increased risk of fractures.

Answer 5: Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which inhibits the DPP-4 enzyme that deactivates GLP-1, thereby increasing glucose-dependent insulin release. They have a low risk of hypoglycemia but have been shown to be weight-neutral.

Bullet Summary:
In patients that require a second medication to achieve glycemic control, the second agent is chosen based on patient preference, the risk of hypoglycemia, and other side effects, including effects on weight. GLP-1 agonists like exenatide have been shown to lead to weight loss.

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