An illustrative summary of receptor-mediated mechanisms involved in the therapeutic regulation of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily affecting the metabolism of glucose in the body. It is characterized by polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, fatigue, and persistent hyperglycemia. It occurs mainly because of two major factors, namely, dysregulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and/or reduced sensitivity of insulin-responsive tissues to insulin, i.e., insulin resistance. The process of insulin secretion and insulin signaling is complex, requiring the involvement of distinct membrane receptors. Sulfonylureas are a class of antidiabetic drugs which exert their antidiabetic action by stimulating sulfonylurea receptors on the pancreatic β-cells. Other cellular mechanisms mediated by receptors, such as insulin receptor, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, free fatty acid receptors, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, also serve as potential therapeutic targets for a number of conventional and novel antidiabetic agents. In this review article, we discuss the significance of these receptors in the therapeutic regulation of T2D. We also lay emphasis on the need for the development of novel antidiabetic agents, several of which are currently advancing through clinical research to determine their potential for antidiabetic mediation through these receptors.