Improved understanding of type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathophysiology has dramatically expanded treatment options. There are 3 major pathological processes involved in T2D:
Medications
used to treat T2D alter these pathophysiological processes. Some
medications stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. All oral agents
that stimulate increased insulin production can cause hypoglycemia. Other drugs
decrease insulin resistance at the tissue level or interfere with glucose production
and release from the liver. A separate class of oral anti-diabetes agents slows
the intestinal absorption of carbohydrates.
Oral anti-diabetes drugs
are most commonly used for patients who are obese, are more than 40 years old,
and have stable T2D of less than 5 years duration. Oral anti-diabetes
drugs are used as an adjunct to dietary and exercise management strategies to
manage T2D. Oral anti-diabetes agents are not appropriate for patients
with the following conditions: