Table 1 Some common anti-diabetic therapies and their side effects

Metformin (dimethylbiguanide)

Gastrointestinal intolerance and side effects [76, 77].

Sulphonylureas

Hypoglycaemia risk, weight gain [78], cardiovascular disease [79].

Incretin-based therapies

Arrhythmia [80], pancreatitis [81].

Thiazolidinediones

Risk of heart failure [82].

Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors

Heart failure [83].

Sodium-coupled glucose co-transporter (SGLT-2) inhibitors

Dehydration and urinary infections in elderly patients [84].