/reference/drugs/sugar-control
Insulin, glucagon, dextrose 50%, oral hypoglycemics
Short-acting human insulin
Binds insulin receptors → tyrosine kinase cascade → GLUT4 translocation in muscle/fat (glucose uptake), glycogen + lipid synthesis, K+ shift intracellularly.
Pancreatic α-cell hormone analogue
Binds Gs-coupled glucagon receptors → ↑cAMP → activates phosphorylase, drives glycogenolysis + gluconeogenesis. In cardiac tissue, the cAMP rise produces inotropic + chronotropic effects independent of β-receptors.
Hypertonic dextrose for emergency hypoglycemia
Concentrated glucose (50 g per 100 mL = 25 g per 50 mL amp/syringe). Direct serum glucose elevation by passive distribution; insulin-independent immediate availability to brain.