Regulation of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insights into current therapeutic pathways

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as a rapidly growing global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide and posing a significant socio-economic burden on healthcare systems in both developing and developed countries. A wide range of pharmacological agents is currently employed to regulate hyperglycemia and mitigate disease progression and complications. Currently, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, biguanides, inhibitors for SGLT-2, alpha-glucosidase, DPP-IV, and agonists for GLP-1 receptor are among the most commonly prescribed antidiabetic agents. Alongside these therapies, growing interest in natural bioactive compounds, such as clove, cinnamon, and various polyphenols, has highlighted their potential as antihyperglycemic agents and complementary roles in diabetes management. In addition, lifestyle modification , i.e. , the shift from a sedentary to an active lifestyle, complements both pharmacological and natural approaches in diabetes management. This review mainly focuses on the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of synthetic antidiabetic agents in alleviating hyperglycemia and managing diabetes. Although antidiabetic peptides represent an important class of therapeutic candidates, they are beyond the scope of this review.