A review of the mechanisms of action and side effects of anti-diabetic agents

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong disease which occurs as a result of decreased insulin activity and/or insulin secretion associated with pathological changes such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications which occur as the disease progress. This disease has a global negative impact on both an individual and healthcare systems. Though glycemic control is considered the first step in management of diabetes, improving the general health and decreasing the impact of the chronic complications also remains a target. Single drug therapy such as insulin and insulin secretagogues, biguanides, insulin sensitizers, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, incretin mimetics, amylin antagonists and sodiumglucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are mostly employed in the management of diabetes mellitus, however, dual drug therapies are recommended especially in type 2 diabetes where patients can’t achieve therapeutic goals with the single drug therapy. The mode of actions of this drugs are also key factors considered in the administration of these drugs due to their diverse side effects. So the need for proper investigation prior to prescription of anti-diabetic drugs to diabetic patients with attention for side effects that may arise. This review was aimed to outline anti-diabetic drugs taking account of their mechanism of action and associated side effects as they are applied in the management of diabetes.