Beyond metformin : the expanding landscape of Type 2 diabetes treatment

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, progressive metabolic disorder characterised by elevated and uncontrolled blood glucose levels and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Type 2 DM accounts for over 90% of all diabetes cases and is primarily managed through lifestyle modification and pharmacological interventions. While metformin remains the first-line drug for the treatment of Type 2 DM, other adjunct therapies provide additional glycaemic control as well as cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. This review provides an overview of the pharmacological agents used in the management of Type 2 DM, and an insight into their mechanisms of action, therapeutic benefits, and side effects. Understanding these agents’ roles is crucial in optimising management and reducing possibly preventable and devastating sequalae of inadequately controlled diabetes