DM Oral Agents Overview

Metformin prevents increased glucose levels.

Diarrhea, bloating, upset stomach.

Low risk, but can cause heart failure.

Increases insulin release.

High risk of hypoglycemia.

Avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, or drinking alcohol.

Class of Diabetes drugs; Metformin is an example.

Drugs taken by mouth to manage diabetes.

Medications that increase insulin release from the pancreas to lower blood sugar.

Medications similar to sulfonylureas, but their insulin release is more rapid and meal-dependent.

Medications that improve insulin sensitivity, helping the body use insulin better.

A potential side effect of some diabetes medications.

Increased chance of developing heart problems with certain diabetes medications.

A class of diabetes drugs that work by making cells more sensitive to insulin, improving how your body uses glucose.

A specific TZD drug used to treat type 2 diabetes.

An α-glucosidase inhibitor that delays the absorption of carbohydrates from the diet.

Common side effects include gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and anemia.

This drug class increases the levels of incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release and reduce glucagon release.

A specific DPP-4 inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Drugs that mimic the action of incretin hormones, increasing insulin release and slowing gastric emptying.

Hormones produced in the gut that stimulate insulin release and decrease glucagon release after a meal.

Drugs that block the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, increasing glucose excretion in urine.

A natural incretin hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Common side effects include UTIs, increased urination, dehydration, postural hypotension, especially with diuretics. There's also a low risk of fungal infections.

Risks include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, and a potential for renal problems. They are contraindicated in pregnancy.

They can effectively lower blood sugar, promote weight loss, and have a low risk of hypoglycemia when used alone.

They effectively lower blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and can be used as monotherapy or in combination therapy.

Insulin that starts working quickly, peaks within 30-90 minutes, and lasts for 3-5 hours.

Insulin that starts working within 30-45 minutes, peaks in 2-3 hours, and lasts for 6.5 hours.

Insulin that starts working in 1-3 hours, peaks in 5-8 hours, and lasts for 14-18 hours.

Insulin that starts working in 1-2 hours, has no specific peak, and lasts for 24 hours.

Insulin that starts working in 1-2 hours, has no specific peak, and lasts for up to 40 hours.

Rapid-acting insulin acts faster and peaks sooner than short-acting insulin. However, both are typically taken with meals.

Intermediate-acting insulin lasts for a shorter period than long-acting insulin and needs to be administered multiple times a day, while long-acting insulin typically provides 24-hour coverage.