Comparison
The following table compares some common anti-diabetic agents, generalizing classes, although there may be substantial variation in individual drugs of each class. When the table makes a comparison such as "lower risk" or "more convenient" the comparison is with the other drugs on the table.
Comparison of anti-diabetic medication | |||
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agent | mechanism | advantages | disadvantages |
Sulfonylurea (glyburide, glimepiride, glipizide) | Stimulating insulin production in pancreatic beta cells by inhibiting the KATP channel |
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Metformin | Acts on liver to cause decrease in insulin resistance |
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Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (acarbose, miglitol) | Reduces glucose absorbance by acting on small intestine to cause decrease in production of enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates |
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thiazolidinediones (Actos, Avandia) | Reduce insulin resistance by activating PPAR-γ in fat and muscle |
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Most anti-diabetic agents are contraindicated in pregnancy, in which insulin is preferred.
Read more about this topic: Anti-diabetic Medication
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