Non-Sulfonylureas

A biguanide insulin sensitizer that decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal glucose absorption, increases insulin sensitivity, and promotes glucose uptake by fat and skeletal muscles.

Metformin

Complication of Metformin

Lactic Acidosis

Thiazolidinediones

A class of drugs that decrease insulin resistance, including pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, contraindicated in stage III and IV heart failure.

A prototype alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that delays the absorption of carbohydrates without causing hypoglycemia by itself.

Acarbose

Side effects of Acarbose

GI problems including diarrhea and flatulence; it can also lead to anemia due to decreased iron absorption.

Non-insulin antidiabetics that prevent the reabsorption of glucose in the urine, exemplified by canagliflozin.

Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter Inhibitors

A class of short-acting insulin stimulators ending with the suffix '-glinide', e.g., repaglinide.

Meglitinides

Drugs that end with the suffix '-gliptin', which increase incretin levels and insulin secretions, with sitagliptin as the prototype.

Incretin Modifiers

A class of drugs with semaglutide as the prototype that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with insulin secretagogues.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

A synthetic hormone that slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, and promotes weight loss.

GLP-1 Agonists

First-line treatment for type 2 diabetes that is often combined with lifestyle interventions.

Metformin

Drugs that stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in response to meals.

Sulfonylureas