Drugs used to lower blood glucose in diabetes mellitus.
Key points
• Metformin (first-line in type 2) reduces hepatic glucose output.
• Sulfonylureas boost insulin; SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists are newer classes.
• Insulin is essential in type 1 diabetes and may be required in type 2 diabetes depending on glycaemic control, disease progression and individual clinical circumstances.