title: Established therapies for diabetes mellitus.
abstract: Traditional oral anti-diabetic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus include the sulfonylureas, metformin, and the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Insulin has traditionally been used in various forms with an aim to mimic physiological insulin secretion patterns. Combinations of any of these treatment classes have also been utilized for their additive effects. All of these options have specific advantages and disadvantages, making them ideal for certain patients and less ideal for others. Each of these treatment classes is briefly discussed with respect to mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, side-effects and current controversies associated with their use. Newer agents (such as the thiazolidinediones, newer insulin secretagogues, and insulin analogues) will be discussed elsewhere.
mesh_terms: D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin