Oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) are used primarily in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, drugs like metformin may also be used in overweight patients with type 1 diabetes to aid in weight loss.
We can divide OHAs into the following groups:
A) Insulin Sensitizers: Metformin, Pioglitazone (PPAR agonists)
B) Glycosuric Drugs: SGLT2 inhibitors
C) Insulin Secretagogues: Sulfonylureas, Meglitinides
D) Incretin Mimetics: DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 analogues
E) Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: Acarbose, Voglibose