Final answer:
A DPP-4 inhibitor and a thiazolidinedione combine to form an antidiabetic drug, which works differently from sulfonylureas like gliclazide that Arya took. Gliclazide stimulates insulin production but caused Arya hypoglycemia, underscoring the importance of pharmacogenetics in treatment responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combination drug mentioned in the question contains a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor called alogliptin and a thiazolidinedione called pioglitazone, both of which are oral antidiabetic medications. Alogliptin works by increasing the levels of incretins, which in turn increase insulin release and decrease glucagon levels in the bloodstream. Pioglitazone helps the body's cells use insulin more effectively, which lowers blood glucose levels.
The scenario described with Arya concerns a different class of antidiabetic drug: sulfonylureas, specifically gliclazide. Sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Unfortunately, this can lead to hypoglycemia, a severe side effect that Arya experienced. Hypoglycemia's symptoms include hunger, sweating, shakiness, and weakness. Individual responses to drugs, like sulfonylureas, can vary significantly due to differences in our genes, highlighting the importance of pharmacogenetics in medicine.