What is a common antidiabetic medication?

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed antidiabetic medications, especially for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to a class of drugs known as biguanides and works primarily by decreasing hepatic glucose production, enhancing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, and increasing glucose uptake and utilization.

Metformin is often favored due to its effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels, its relatively low cost, and its ability to achieve weight neutrality or even promote weight loss in some patients. Furthermore, metformin has a favorable safety profile and a low risk of causing hypoglycemia, which is a serious concern in diabetes management.

While other medications like insulin, sitagliptin, and glyburide are also used for diabetes treatment, metformin is typically the first-line agent recommended for most patients with type 2 diabetes. This established role in therapy makes it a common choice among healthcare providers.