Type 2 Diabetes Antidiabetic Drugs

What is a benefit of metformin hydrochloride compared to sulfonylureas?

What is a characteristic of meglitinides?

What is a concern with the use of pioglitazone?

What is a benefit of DPP-4 inhibitors compared to sulfonylureas?

What is a benefit of SGLT2 inhibitors?

Which of the following is not associated with hypoglycaemia?

What is a characteristic of acarbose?

Which of the following is associated with weight gain?

Which of the following SGLT2 inhibitors has more uncertainty around its cardiovascular benefits?

What is a risk associated with SGLT2 inhibitors?

When should GLP-1 receptor agonists be used?

What is a benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists for some patients?

What is the alternative to GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with other drugs when other treatments have failed?

Non-Insulin Antidiabetic Drugs

Metformin hydrochloride lowers both basal and postprandial blood-glucose concentrations without causing weight gain or hypoglycaemia.
Sulfonylureas (e.g., gliclazide, glimepiride) may cause hypoglycaemia, especially with long-acting agents like glimepiride, and are associated with modest weight gain.
Acarbose has a poorer anti-hyperglycaemic effect compared to many other antidiabetic drugs.

Meglitinides and Thiazolidinediones

Meglitinides (e.g., repaglinide) have a rapid onset of action and short duration of activity, allowing flexible dosing around mealtimes.
Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone) are associated with weight gain and long-term risks, requiring regular review of ongoing benefit.

DPP-4 Inhibitors and SGLT2 Inhibitors

DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g., alogliptin, linagliptin) do not appear to cause weight gain and have a lower incidence of hypoglycaemia compared to sulfonylureas.
SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin, dapagliflozin) lower blood-glucose, promote weight loss, and improve cardiovascular outcomes in certain patients, but are associated with a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., dulaglutide, liraglutide) promote weight loss and may improve cardiovascular outcomes in some patients, and are reserved for combination therapy when other options have failed.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., tirzepatide) promote weight loss and can be used as an alternative to GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination therapy.

Learn about non-insulin antidiabetic drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, including metformin hydrochloride and sulfonylureas. Understand their effects on blood glucose levels and insulin secretion.