Final answer:
Metformin HCl (Glucophage) is the drug under the biguanides classification used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity. Unlike sulfonylureas, biguanides do not increase insulin secretion, thereby having a lower risk of hypoglycemia. Pharmacogenomics is important in customizing diabetes treatment due to individual genetic differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse understands that Metformin HCl (Glucophage) falls under the classification of biguanides. Biguanides, including metformin, are a class of oral antihyperglycemic drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity. Unlike sulfonylureas like gliclazide which stimulate insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and can cause hypoglycemia, biguanides do not affect insulin secretion and thus have a lower risk for hypoglycemia. Biguanides were first synthesized in the 20th century and are known for their antidiabetic properties. While bisbiguanides like chlorhexidine serve as antiseptics, biguanides like metformin are pivotal in managing hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Pharmacogenomics plays an important role in determining effective treatments for individuals with diabetes, as there is a variation in drug responses due to genetic differences among people.