[Glucokinase activators and imeglimin: New drugs against type 2 diabetes].

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing relentlessly globally, affecting ever younger patients. Many T2D patients do not attain glycemic target levels, indicating a clear need for novel antihyperglycemic drugs. Ideally, these should not only control glycemia, but also halt or slow the progressive loss of beta cells. Two entirely novel classes of antihyperglycemic agents - glucokinase activators and imeglimin -  were recently approved in Asian markets and will be discussed in this review. These two novel drug classes will be a welcome addition and complement to existing treatments. Time will tell whether these new antihyperglycemic agents will add value to the current treatment paradigms against T2D and provide sustained antihyperglycemic effect, acceptable safety, usefulness in combination therapy, and effects on hard end-points such as cardiovascular disease.