Role of conventional oral antidiabetic drugs in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is caused by insulin resistance and characterized by progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Recent innovative treatment approaches target the multiple pathophysiological defects present in type 2 diabetes. The targets for glycemic control as set by the American Diabetes Association (HbA1C<7%) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (HbA1C<6.5%) sometimes appear daunting and unattainable. It is therefore of the utmost importance to have an excellent understanding of the mechanism of action of these drugs in order to optimize patient therapy. Here, we present a corresponding discussion of all the available oral antidiabetic drugs according to the different classes, their mechanisms of action and pharmacological profiles.