Which one of the following statements about mechanism of action of Metformin is true?
## Core Concept
Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic agent primarily used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its mechanism of action involves decreasing glucose production by the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, , states that Metformin works by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. This is accurate as Metformin decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis, which is the process by which the liver produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. It achieves this by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that plays a significant role in cellular energy homeostasis. Activation of AMPK leads to the inhibition of enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, such as fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase, thereby reducing hepatic glucose output.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
**Option A:** - This option is incorrect because Metformin does not primarily work by stimulating insulin release. Its action is not directly dependent on increasing insulin secretion, which is more characteristic of sulfonylureas and meglitinides.
**Option B:** - This option is incorrect as Metformin does not significantly increase glucose uptake in muscles. While it does increase insulin sensitivity, its primary action is on the liver, reducing glucose production.
**Option C:** - This option might seem plausible but is not the best description of Metformin's primary mechanism. Although it does decrease lipolysis, which can indirectly affect glucose levels, this is not its main mechanism of action.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember about Metformin is that it does not cause significant hypoglycemia when used alone because it does not increase insulin secretion but rather helps the body to use insulin more efficiently and decreases glucose production in the liver. This makes it a safer option for many patients with type 2 diabetes.
## Correct Answer Line
**Correct Answer: D. Inhibiting hepatic glucose production.**