Hypoglycemic agent

Hypoglycemic agents or antihyperglycemic agents are medications used in people with diabetes mellitus to lower blood sugar.

Types of Hypoglycemic Agents

Hypoglycemic agents are classified into three broad groups:

1. Insulin: The hormone insulin is the most potent hypoglycemic agent, for its lack leads to Type 1 diabetes mellitus, and its insufficient production or utilization leads to Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also used in Type 1 diabetes in a form of long-acting insulin such as insulin glargine.
2. Oral hypoglycemic agents: Oral hypoglycemic agents are used in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
3. Injectable non-insulin hypoglycemic agents: Injectable non-insulin hypoglycemic agents are a class of drugs that are used in addition to oral medication for Type 2 diabetes.

Mechanism of Action

Hypoglycemic agents work by increasing insulin release from the beta cells in the pancreas, decreasing the amount of glucose from the liver, increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin, decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine, and slowing emptying of the stomach, thereby delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the intestine.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of all insulin secretagogues is hypoglycemia. Other side effects include weight gain, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset.

See Also

• Diabetes mellitus
• Insulin
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypoglycemia

References

Hypoglycemic agent Resources
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