Antidiabetic medications

Antidiabetic medications encompass a diverse class of pharmaceutical drugs designed to manage blood glucose levels primarily in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Key classes include sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), which promote glucose excretion through the kidneys; glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA), which enhance insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, and slow gastric emptying; metformin, which reduces hepatic glucose production; DPP-4 inhibitors, which prolong incretin hormone activity; and sulfonylureas, which stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. These agents work through distinct mechanisms to improve glycemic control, often leading to reductions in fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance markers like the HOMA index.