Antidiabetic agents are drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, in addition to exercise and diet. These drugs help lower blood glucose (blood sugar) levels.

Classes of oral diabetes medications include:

• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
• Biguanides
• Meglitinides
• Sulfonylureas
• Thiazolidinediones
• A new group called DPP-4 inhibitors

In addition to these pills, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first in a new class of injected medications for type 2 diabetes called incretin mimetics. And there is an injectable medication called synthetic amylin that is the only drug other than insulin approved to treat type 1 diabetes. Synthetic amylin can also be prescribed to insulin-dependent patients with type 2 diabetes.

Many additional diabetes drugs are under development. Antidiabetic agents do not cure diabetes, but they can help manage it. Other crucial parts of the treatment plan include diet, exercise, glucose monitoring, regular medical care and sometimes insulin.