1) There are several classes of anti-diabetic drugs that treat diabetes mellitus by lowering blood glucose levels, including insulin secretagogues, insulin sensitizers, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and DPP-4 inhibitors.
2) Insulin secretagogues like sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Insulin sensitizers like biguanides and thiazolidinediones improve target cell response to insulin without increasing secretion.
3) Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors prevent carbohydrate digestion and absorption, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes. DPP-4 inhibitors prolong incretin hormone activity, increasing insulin release and reducing glucagon levels in response to meals.