Traditional Medications for Diabetes
Oral Antidiabetic Agents and Insulin Therapy
Oral Antidiabetic Agents
Oral antidiabetic agents have been used to treat type 2 diabetes since the 1950s. The first oral drug approved for the treatment of diabetes was tolbutamide, which was introduced in 1957. Since then, many other classes of oral antidiabetic agents have been developed, including sulfonylureas, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.
Oral antidiabetic agents work by improving the body’s ability to produce insulin or by increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. This can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that oral antidiabetic agents are not a cure for type 2 diabetes. They are used to manage the condition and help to prevent complications.
The choice of oral antidiabetic agent will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the diabetes, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions. Some oral antidiabetic agents are more effective than others in certain situations. For example, metformin is often the first choice of treatment for people with type 2 diabetes because it is effective, safe, and relatively inexpensive. However, other oral antidiabetic agents may be more appropriate for patients who do not respond to metformin or who have other medical conditions.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes and many people with type 2 diabetes require insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar. Insulin is a protein that is produced by specialized cells in the pancreas called beta cells. It is released into the bloodstream in response to rising blood sugar levels. Insulin works by binding to receptors on cells throughout the body, which allows glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy.
Insulin can be made from a variety of sources, including:
Insulin can be made from a variety of sources, including:
1
Human insulin
This is insulin that is produced by genetically engineered bacteria or yeast. It is the most common type of insulin used today
2
Animal insulin
This is insulin that is extracted from the pancreas of animals, such as pigs or cows. It is less common today than human insulin, but it is still used in some parts of the world.
3
Recombinant human insulin
This is insulin that is produced by genetically engineered bacteria or yeast using human insulin DNA. It is identical to human insulin produced by the pancreas.