Diabetes Medications: Classification and Mechanism of Action

Diabetes Medications: Classification and Mechanism of Action

This article will provide a brief overview of the common diabetes medications, classifying them by group and mechanism of action.

1. Sulfonylurea (SU) drugs:

• Group 1: Tolbutamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide, chloropamid.

• Group 2: Glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride.

Mechanism of action: Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.

Indications: Treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Note: Chloropamid can be prescribed for both diabetes insipidus patients.

2. Meglitinide drugs:

• Examples: Repaglinide, nateglinide.

Mechanism of action: Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, not belonging to the SU group.

Indications: Treatment of type 2 diabetes.

3. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i):

• Examples: Sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin, linagliptin.

Mechanism of action: Inhibits the DPP-4 enzyme, which enhances the activity of GLP-1 hormone, stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon secretion.

Indications: Treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Note: Linagliptin is the only drug in this group that is indicated for type 2 diabetes patients with kidney failure.

4. Biguanide drugs:

• Example: Metformin.

Mechanism of action: Increases insulin sensitivity to cells, helping the body use glucose more efficiently.

Indications: Treatment of type 2 diabetes.

5. Thiazolidinedione drugs:

• Examples: Rosiglitazone, pioglitazone.

Mechanism of action: Increases insulin sensitivity to cells, helping the body use glucose more efficiently.

Indications: Treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Note: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for the advice of a medical professional.