This document discusses oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs), which are drugs taken orally to lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. It describes two main types of diabetes and explains how OHAs work to increase insulin secretion, sensitivity, and decrease glucose absorption. The document classifies OHAs and discusses specific drug classes like sulfonylureas including first generation drugs like tolbutamide and second generation drugs like glipizide. It provides details on the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, indications, contraindications and side effects of various OHAs.