CLASSIFICATION
biguanides
sulfonylureas
Meglitinide analogue (K
ATP Channel blockers)
thiazolidinediones
dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DD-
4) inhibitors
α-glucosidase inhibitors
MODE OF ACTION EXAMPLE
preventing the liver from metformin
converting fats and amino-
acids into glucose. They
also activate an enzyme
(AMPK) which helps cells
respond more effectively to
insulin and take in glucose
from the blood.
directly stimulate release of glimepiride
insulin from pancreatic beta
cells and thereby lower
blood glucose
concentrations.
Release of insulin from Repaglinide, Nateglinide
pancreas; bind to the SUR1
receptor on the β-cell,
although with lower affinity
than sulfonylureas, and
stimulate insulin release in
the same way.
Glitazones tend to reverse pioglitazone
insulin resistance by
enhancing GLUT4 expression
and translocation; entry of
glucose into muscle and fat is
improved
acts on incretin hormones, Sitagliptin, vildagliptin,
mainly GLP-1 (glucagon-like saxagliptin
peptide-1) and GIP (gastric
inhibitory peptide), which
maintain glucose homeostasis
by increasing insulin secretion
and decreasing glucagon
secretion.
inhibit the absorption of acarbose
carbohydrates from the small
intestine. They competitively
inhibit enzymes that convert
complex non-absorbable
carbohydrates into simple
absorbable carbohydrates;
block the breakdown of starchy
foods such as bread, potatoes,
and pasta, and they slow down
the absorption of of some
sugars, such as table sugar