Diabetes Treatment, Part 2: Oral Agents for Glycemic Management

Abstract

For several reasons, oral agents are typically the first medications used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Because of their wide range of efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action, it is important for clinicians to gain a broad understanding of each class of oral agents to optimize diabetes control. This article reviews the major classes of oral agents used to treat type 2 diabetes, with an emphasis on the benefits and risks of each class. It is important to note that because type 1 diabetes results from an absolute deficiency of pancreatic β-cells, most oral agents are not indicated in the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes. Oral agents are also largely not tested or approved for use in pregnancy.