which-medication-class-lowers-blood-glucose-primarily-by-increasing-insulin-secr

Question

Which medication class lowers blood glucose primarily by increasing insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and therefore has a risk of causing hypoglycemia if dosed inappropriately?

Accepted Answer

Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide) — they stimulate β-cell insulin release and can cause hypoglycemia if dose or meal timing is mismatched.

Answer

Loop diuretics — they stimulate pancreatic α-cells to secrete glucagon and are the primary hypoglycemia-causing diabetes drugs.

Answer

Statins — they directly increase GLUT4 expression in muscle and therefore carry the greatest risk of hypoglycemia.

Answer

SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin) — they increase hepatic gluconeogenesis to lower blood glucose and do not affect insulin secretion.