Final answer:
Alpha glucosidase inhibitors are oral antidiabetic drugs that moderate blood glucose levels by slowing carbohydrate absorption. They differ from sulfonylureas like gliclazide, which increase insulin secretion but may cause side effects like hypoglycemia. Pharmacogenetics is critical for tailored medication approaches, particularly for complex conditions like diabetes mellitus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitor Oral Antidiabetic Drugs
An alpha glucosidase inhibitor is a type of oral antidiabetic drug that works by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which in turn reduces the rise in blood glucose levels after a meal. These inhibitors are different from the sulfonylurea category, which includes drugs like gliclazide. Gliclazide stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete insulin. However, this can sometimes result in adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia, a side effect that was experienced by a patient named Arya. Given Arya's additional complications like cardiovascular disease, gliclazide was deemed the best choice by their doctor, showcasing how patient-specific factors can influence drug efficacy and side effects.
Pharmacogenetics is an evolving field, considered the "new frontier in medicine," which aims to understand how genetic differences among individuals affect responses to medications. This approach holds promise for personalizing pharmaceutical treatment to improve outcomes and decrease the risk of adverse reactions.
Diabetes mellitus, the condition Arya was diagnosed with, is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the beta cells of the pancreas either not secreting enough insulin or the target cells having resistance to insulin. Arya's condition, insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, required close monitoring of their blood glucose levels and the careful selection of an appropriate antidiabetic drug.