Overview of Common Antidiabetic Drugs and Their Clinical...

Overview of Common Antidiabetic Drugs and Their Clinical Applications

Veröffentlicht 2026-01-29 08:32:43

Diabetes is a long-term condition in which blood sugar levels remain too high. The two main types are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for more than 90% of all cases.

As doctors and scientists learn more about how diabetes affects the body, treatment options have expanded. Today, patients can benefit not only from traditional blood-sugar-lowering medicines but also from newer treatments that help protect the heart and kidneys and support overall health.

What Are the Main Goals of Diabetes Treatment?

Diabetes medications are used to help patients:

Lower blood sugar levels and keep them within a healthy range
Reduce the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Manage body weight or avoid weight gain
Prevent or delay complications such as heart disease and kidney problems

Doctors choose medications based on how each drug works and the individual needs of the patient. DengyuePharma has summarized these medications in the following table.

Common Diabetes Medications Explained

The table below summarizes the most commonly used diabetes medications and what they do in simple terms.

Type of Medication	Common Examples	How They Work	Who They Are Usually For
Biguanides	Metformin	Reduces sugar production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity	Often the first treatment for type 2 diabetes; low risk of low blood sugar
Sulfonylureas	Glimepiride, Gliclazide	Help the pancreas release more insulin	Work quickly, but may cause low blood sugar or weight gain
Glinides	Repaglinide, Nateglinide	Short-acting medicines that boost insulin after meals	Mainly help control blood sugar after eating
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors	Acarbose, Voglibose	Slow down the digestion of carbohydrates	Help control blood sugar after meals; may cause bloating or gas
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)	Pioglitazone	Improve the body’s response to insulin	Useful for insulin resistance; may cause weight gain or swelling
DPP-4 inhibitors	Sitagliptin, Linagliptin	Increase natural hormones that help control blood sugar	Low risk of low blood sugar; generally weight-neutral
GLP-1 receptor agonists	Liraglutide, Semaglutide	Increase insulin, reduce appetite, and slow digestion	Can help with weight loss and heart health
SGLT2 inhibitors	Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin	Remove excess sugar through urine	Provide heart and kidney protection
Insulin	Insulin glargine, Insulin aspart	Replaces or supplements the body’s insulin	Essential for type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes

New Trends in Diabetes Treatment

In recent years, diabetes care has moved beyond simply lowering blood sugar. Newer medicines, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, help manage diabetes while also protecting the heart and kidneys.

Researchers are also developing long-acting medications, oral versions of injectable drugs, and treatments that work on more than one target in the body. These advances aim to make treatment easier and more effective for patients.

Key Takeaways

There is no single “best” diabetes medication for everyone. Each treatment works differently and has its own benefits and side effects.

Working closely with a healthcare provider helps ensure that treatment is tailored to individual needs, leading to better blood sugar control, fewer complications, and an improved quality of life.