This group of medications is referred to as antidiabetic drugs, and they are employed to lower the blood glucose levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Oral hypoglycemic medications exhibit diverse mechanisms of action. Sulphonylurea drugs work by boosting the body’s insulin production. Metformin enhances glucose uptake and utilization by body tissues, effectively reducing blood glucose levels. Other oral hypoglycemics function in various ways. Acarbose and guar gum slow down or inhibit carbohydrate absorption from the intestines after meals. Repaglinide stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, while rosiglitazone and pioglitazone reduce insulin resistance in the tissues.
Taking an excessive dose of hypoglycemic drugs can lead to hypoglycemia, which is characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, and may cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and sweating. However, the use of metformin, acarbose, or guar gum typically does not result in this condition.