Anti-Diabetic Drugs are medicines that are used to treat diabetic patints
or patients whose blood sugar levels are high. These medicines help control
blood sugar levels in patients with Sugar Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus.
Antidiabetic drugs help to reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood
of people with diabetes mellitus. By keeping the blood sugar at normal,
these drugs reduce some of the risks associated with diabetes.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder of
metabolism. Metabolism refers to the process through which the food that is
consumed by the body is broken down into a type of sugar called the glucose.
This glucose is used for energy and growth and passes through the
bloodstream to cells throughout the body. Glucose enter the cells with the
help of a hormone called Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. In case
of people with Diabetes Mellitus, the body does not have enough Insulin to
transfer the glucose into the cells. Glucose starts building up in the blood
and passes out of the body in urine without ever having been used as fuel.
This leads to Diabetes Mellitus
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
- Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM): In this type, the
pancreas does not produce enough Insulin. This is also called Type 1
diabetes.
- Non-Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM): In this type, the
cells do not respond to the Insulin, also known as Type 2 diabetes. This
can be treated thought diet and exercise.
Anti Diabetic Drugs Classes
- Injections (Insulin)
- Oral hypoglycemics
- Herbal Medicines
How Does Antidiabetic Drugs Work?
Antidiabetic drugs work by
- Increasing insulin levels in the body.
- Increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.
- Decreasing glucose absorption in the intestines.
Popular Antidiabetic Drugs: Common Brands
- Biguanides
- Metformin
- Glimepiride
- Glipizide
- Meglitinides
- Repaglinide
- Nateglinide
- Thiazolidinediones
- Pioglitazone
- Rosiglitazone
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