[Drug treatment of type 2 diabetes]

Abstract

Drug treatment of 2 diabetes is intended to normalize glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA(1c)<6.5%) and thereby prevent the development of micro- and macrovascular complications. Oral antidiabetic agents target the metabolic abnormalities that cause diabetes. The two principal families of oral antidiabetic agents - insulin sensitizers and insulin secretagogues - can be taken together. Thiazolidinediones or glitazones (insulin sensitizers) improve peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin. Metformin (an insulin sensitizer) reduces hepatic glucose production. Sulfonylureas and meglitinides (insulin secretagogues) stimulate insulin secretion and can cause hypoglycemia. GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) analogs and DPP-IV (dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV) inhibitors are new drug classes currently under development.