What is the primary effect of biguanides?

What is the primary effect of biguanides?

• A. Increase hepatic glucose production
• B. Reduce hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity
• C. Stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion
• D. Inhibit glucose uptake in muscle

Answer: (B)

Biguanides, such as metformin, primarily lower blood glucose by acting on the liver and by improving how the body uses insulin. They suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, so the liver releases less glucose into the bloodstream. They also improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, helping muscles take up glucose more effectively. This combination lowers fasting glucose and HbA1c without typically causing hypoglycemia. They do not stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion, nor do they inhibit glucose uptake in muscle; in fact, they help increase peripheral glucose uptake. The net result is a reduction in hepatic glucose production along with better insulin action, which is why this option best describes the primary effect.

Biguanides, such as metformin, primarily lower blood glucose by acting on the liver and by improving how the body uses insulin. They suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, so the liver releases less glucose into the bloodstream. They also improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, helping muscles take up glucose more effectively. This combination lowers fasting glucose and HbA1c without typically causing hypoglycemia. They do not stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion, nor do they inhibit glucose uptake in muscle; in fact, they help increase peripheral glucose uptake. The net result is a reduction in hepatic glucose production along with better insulin action, which is why this option best describes the primary effect.