There are many types of OADs. They work in different ways to lower blood sugar.
Metformin (biguanide)
Helps lower insulin resistance and reduce the production of glucose
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 or SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin, ertugliflozin)
Help the kidneys get rid of extra sugar in the body through the urine
DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin)
Help prevent the breakdown of GLP-1, a hormone produced in the intestines
Thiazolidinediones or TZDs (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)
Help improve the liver, muscle, and fat cells’ response to insulin, meaning more sugar leaves the blood and enters the muscles and fat (where it belongs)
Sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide)
Help the pancreas release more insulin
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose, miglitol)
Slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and keep the body from absorbing sugar