| Drug class | Drug Name | Brand Name | Mechanism of action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biguanides | Metformin | Glucophage® | Inhibit glucose production by the liver |
| Sulfonylureas (second-generation) | Glimepiride | Amaryl® | Increase insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells |
| Glipizide | Glucotrol® | ||
| Glyburide | Diabeta®, Glynase PresTab®, Micronase® | ||
| Meglitinides | Repaglinide | Prandin® | Increase insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells |
| Nateglinide | Starlix® | ||
| Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) | Pioglitazone | Actos® | Increase glucose uptake by skeletal muscle |
| Rosiglitazone | Avandia® | ||
| Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors | Acarbose | Precose® | Inhibit carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine |
| Miglitol | Glyset® |
From: Comparing Oral Medications for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
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