Metformin is classified as what type of medication?

Metformin is classified as a biguanide oral diabetic medication, which makes it effective for managing type 2 diabetes. It primarily works by decreasing hepatic glucose production, reducing intestinal absorption of glucose, and enhancing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, particularly muscle and adipose tissues. By these mechanisms, metformin helps lower blood glucose levels without causing significant weight gain or hypoglycemia, which can be common side effects of other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas.

The action of metformin is distinct from other classes of medications listed. Insulin is a hormone used to lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes, while thiazolidinediones and sulfonylureas operate through different pathways, including enhancing glucose uptake and secretion of insulin, respectively. Therefore, identifying metformin as a biguanide is pivotal in understanding its role in diabetes treatment as well as its pharmacological profile.