What class of medications is often used to treat Type 2 diabetes by helping the body utilize insulin more effectively?

The correct answer, which is a class of medications that helps the body utilize insulin more effectively in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, is actually Metformin. Metformin is known for its ability to decrease hepatic glucose production and increase insulin sensitivity, making it a first-line therapy for managing Type 2 diabetes.

Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, rather than directly improving how the body uses insulin. Insulin therapy involves administering insulin exogenously, which is typically prescribed for both Type 1 and advanced Type 2 diabetes when oral medications are no longer sufficient. GLP-1 agonists, on the other hand, mimic incretin hormones and help lower blood sugar by enhancing insulin secretion in response to meals and reducing appetite, but they don’t primarily focus on improving insulin utilization in the same way as Metformin does.

Understanding the specific mechanisms of these medication classes is crucial for effectively managing Type 2 diabetes and appreciating how they can be used in different contexts.