Antidiabetic Drugs are medicines used to manage diabetes mellitus, a condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. These drugs either increase insulin production, improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, slow glucose absorption, or provide insulin directly.

Categories of Antidiabetic Drugs

1. Insulin Preparations

   • Used mainly in Type 1 diabetes and advanced Type 2 diabetes.

   • Types: Rapid-acting, Short-acting, Intermediate-acting, Long-acting.

   • Examples: Regular insulin, Insulin glargine, Insulin lispro.

2. Biguanides

   • Reduce glucose production in the liver and improve insulin sensitivity.

   • Example: Metformin (most widely used).

3. Sulfonylureas

   • Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.

   • Examples: Glimepiride, Glibenclamide, Glipizide.

4. Meglitinides (Glinides)

   • Short-acting drugs that increase insulin release after meals.

   • Examples: Repaglinide, Nateglinide.

5. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

   • Improve insulin sensitivity in fat and muscle tissues.

   • Examples: Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone.

6. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

   • Slow down carbohydrate absorption in the intestine.

   • Examples: Acarbose, Miglitol.

7. DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins)

   • Help increase insulin release and lower glucose after meals.

   • Examples: Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin, Linagliptin.

8. SGLT2 Inhibitors

   • Work by eliminating excess glucose through urine.

   • Examples: Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin.

9. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

   • Injectable drugs that increase insulin, reduce appetite, and slow digestion.

   • Examples: Exenatide, Liraglutide, Dulaglutide.

Key Notes

• Type 1 diabetes usually requires insulin therapy.

• Type 2 diabetes can be managed with oral drugs, injectable drugs, or insulin depending on severity.

• Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are often used along with these medicines.