Table 4.

Classes of antidiabetic agents and their respective mechanisms of action.

Adapted from [31]

Class of antidiabetic agent	Mechanism of action
Metformin	Reduction in hepatic glucose production and mild insulin sensitizing action in the liver
Thiazolidinediones	Increase insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipocyte (insulin sensitizers)
DPP4 inhibitors (gliptins)	Increase in GLP-1 levels, enhancing the glucose-dependent synthesis and secretion of insulin, in addition to glucagon reduction
GLP-1RAs	Enhancement of the glucose-dependent synthesis and secretion of insulin, in addition to glucagon reduction, delayed gastric emptying and promotion of satiety, resulting in weight loss
SGLT2 inhibitors	Inhibition of glucose and sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the renal glomerulus, resulting in glycosuria and weight loss
Sulfonylureas	Glucose-independent secretion of insulin (secretagogue)
Glinides	Glucose-independent secretion of insulin (secretagogue)
α-Glucosidase inhibitors	Delay of intestinal absorption of carbohydrates

DPP4 dipeptidyl peptidase 4, GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1RAs glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 sodium-glucose cotransporter-2