NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Which class of medications is known for directly stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells?

SGLT2 inhibitors
Insulin secretagogues
GLP-1 agonists
DPP-4 inhibitors

The correct answer is: Insulin secretagogues

Insulin secretagogues are a class of medications known for directly stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. These medications work by binding to specific receptors on the beta-cells, leading to an increase in insulin release. Option A, SGLT2 inhibitors, work by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 in the renal tubules, reducing reabsorption of glucose and increasing urinary glucose excretion. Option C, GLP-1 agonists, mimic the effects of the incretin hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and also inhibits glucagon secretion and gastric emptying. Option D, DPP-4 inhibitors, work by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4, which degrades incretin hormones like GLP-1. By inhibiting DPP-4, these medications increase the levels of endogenous GLP-1, leading to improved glucose-dependent insulin secretion.