Antidiabetikumok

Antidiabetikumok, also known as antidiabetic drugs, are medications used to treat diabetes mellitus. Their primary goal is to lower blood glucose levels, thereby preventing or delaying the long-term complications associated with hyperglycemia, such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. These drugs work through various mechanisms, depending on the specific class and type of medication.

The choice of antidiabetikum depends on several factors, including the type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), the patient's overall health, the severity of hyperglycemia, and the presence of comorbidities. For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential as their bodies do not produce enough insulin. For Type 2 diabetes, a range of oral medications and injectable non-insulin agents are available.

Common classes of oral antidiabetikumok include biguanides (e.g., metformin), which reduce hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity; sulfonylureas, which stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas; thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which enhance insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues; DPP-4 inhibitors, which increase incretin levels, leading to enhanced insulin release and reduced glucagon secretion; and SGLT2 inhibitors, which promote glucose excretion in the urine. Injectable non-insulin antidiabetikumok include GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the action of incretin hormones to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying.

In many cases, a combination of different antidiabetikumok or antidiabetikumok along with lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, is necessary to achieve optimal glycemic control. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of treatment and to adjust medication dosages as needed.