Effects of antidiabetic agents on lipid metabolism of skeletal muscle: A narrative review

Metabolic syndrome-related diseases frequently involve disturbances in skeletal muscle lipid metabolism. The accumulation of lipid metabolites, lipid-induced mitochondrial stress in skeletal muscle cells, as well as the inflammation of adjacent adipose tissue, are associated with the development of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Consequently, when antidiabetic medications are used to treat various chronic conditions related to hyperglycaemia, the impact on skeletal muscle lipid metabolism should not be overlooked. However, current research has predominantly focused on muscle mass rather than skeletal muscle lipid metabolism and its interplay with glucose metabolism. In this review, we summarised the latest research on the effects of antidiabetic drugs and certain natural compounds with antidiabetic activity on skeletal muscle lipid metabolism, focusing on data from preclinical to clinical studies. Given the widespread use of antidiabetic drugs, a better understanding of their effects on skeletal muscle lipid metabolism merits further attention in future research.