Final answer:
Empagliflozin (Jardiance) is an SGLT2 inhibitor, Glimepiride (Amaryl) a sulfonylurea, Liraglutide (Victoza) a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Metformin (Glucophage) a biguanide, and Sitagliptin (Januvia) a DPP-4 inhibitor. These medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes in combination with lifestyle changes as prescribed by an endocrinologist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetes Mellitus Drug Classes
The drugs listed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus belong to different classes with various mechanisms of action:
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance) - This drug belongs to the class known as Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream through the urine.
- Glimepiride (Amaryl) - This is a sulfonylurea, similar to gliclazide mentioned in the reference. It works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. However, one of the side effects can be hypoglycemia, as experienced by Arya in the reference scenario.
- Liraglutide (Victoza) - This medication is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists class. It enhances the secretion of insulin and suppresses the release of glucagon.
- Metformin (Glucophage) - Metformin is considered a biguanide. It works primarily by decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.
- Sitagliptin (Januvia) - Sitagliptin falls under the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors category. It enhances the body's own ability to lower blood sugar by increasing the levels of incretin hormones.
The treatment for type 2 diabetes often involves a variety of medications that enhance insulin release or effect, along with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. An endocrinologist may prescribe medications based on the individual needs of the patient and the specific characteristics of their diabetes.