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A patient is being treated with both insulin and injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs. Which of the following statements is true?

1) Insulin is the only medication used to treat diabetes.
2) Injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs can be used alone to treat diabetes.
3) Insulin and injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs are never used together to treat diabetes.
4) Combining insulin and injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs can enhance blood sugar control.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Statement 4 is true; combining insulin with injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs can improve blood sugar control in diabetics. While insulin is essential, especially in Type 1 diabetes, injectable non-insulin drugs also aid in managing blood glucose levels and can be used alongside insulin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement regarding the treatment of diabetes with both insulin and injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs is: 4) Combining insulin and injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs can enhance blood sugar control. While insulin injections are critical for managing diabetes, particularly in Type 1 diabetes where they must be taken for life, there are also injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs available. These drugs can be used in conjunction with insulin to better control blood glucose levels in some individuals. These medications can work in various ways, such as improving the body's response to insulin or stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin.

For instance, in insulin-resistant Type 2 diabetes patients, injectable non-insulin antidiabetic drugs can help overcome the challenges of insulin not being effectively used by the body. Medications such as incretin mimetics work by mimicking hormones that stimulate insulin release, whereas amylin analogs slow gastric emptying and suppress glucagon. These treatments can prove beneficial when added to a regimen that includes insulin therapy, providing a more comprehensive approach to managing diabetes.

User Emiliano Viotti
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