Oral hypoglycaemic drugs and newer agents used in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Keywords:
hypoglycaemic agents, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metformin, sulphonylureas, non-sulphonylurea secretagogues, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, DPP-IV inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 agents
Abstract
This article reviews the use of oral agents in the management of type 2 diabetes, together with their pharmacological mechanisms, indications, side effects and contra-indications. The principal oral agents available for use include metformin, sulphonylureas, non-sulphonylurea secretagogues (meglitinides), thiazolidinediones, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. More recently, DPP-IV Inhibitors and Glucagon-like peptide-1 agents have been registered for use in the United States and in Europe. They await Medicines Control Council registration for use in South Africa.
Published
2009-02-17
Section
CPD
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