Which statement best describes metformin and phenformin?

Which statement best describes metformin and phenformin?

• A. They are hypoglycemic agents
• B. They are antihyperglycemic agents
• C. They are insulin secretagogues
• D. They are insulin analogs

Answer: (B)

Metformin and phenformin are antihyperglycemic agents. They work mainly by reducing hepatic glucose production and by improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, especially in liver and muscle, rather than by increasing insulin release. Because they don’t stimulate pancreatic beta cells, they don’t act as insulin secretagogues, and they’re not insulin analogs. This mechanism means they lower elevated blood glucose without typically causing hypoglycemia when used alone (though risk can rise if combined with other glucose-lowering drugs). Phenformin, in particular, carries a higher risk of lactic acidosis and is used less often today.

Metformin and phenformin are antihyperglycemic agents. They work mainly by reducing hepatic glucose production and by improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, especially in liver and muscle, rather than by increasing insulin release. Because they don’t stimulate pancreatic beta cells, they don’t act as insulin secretagogues, and they’re not insulin analogs. This mechanism means they lower elevated blood glucose without typically causing hypoglycemia when used alone (though risk can rise if combined with other glucose-lowering drugs). Phenformin, in particular, carries a higher risk of lactic acidosis and is used less often today.