Osmosis video - Miscellaneous hypoglycemics

Hypoglycemics are used to treat type II diabetes mellitus. They include drugs like sulfonylureas, biguanides, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones. Each type of medication works in a different way to lower blood sugar levels.

For example, sulfonylureas and meglitinides are secretagogues, meaning they stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Biguanides inhibit production of new glucose from the liver. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors prevent starch from being broken down into glucose in the gastrointestinal system, whereas thiazolidinediones make tissues more sensitive to insulin.