Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The lesson surveys biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, α-glucosidase inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and oral GLP-1 receptor agonists. It connects each class to its mechanism and examples, from metformin’s effects on hepatic glucose production and insulin sensitivity to SGLT2 inhibitors’ promotion of urinary glucose excretion. Comparisons also cover practical differences: meal-timed meglitinides, gastrointestinal effects with α-glucosidase inhibitors, and weight or cardiovascular considerations across selected classes. The overview highlights important safety issues, including hypoglycemia, fluid retention, genitourinary infections, and class-specific cautions, while framing renal and hepatic considerations for further study.