Which diabetes medication is least likely to cause hypoglycemia in a patient with type 2 diabetes?

The correct answer, Metformin, is known for its safety profile in terms of hypoglycemia risk, particularly among patients with type 2 diabetes. Unlike other medications that stimulate insulin secretion or have other mechanisms that may lower blood sugar levels, Metformin primarily works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity. This mechanism does not cause excessive insulin release; thus, it maintains blood glucose levels without the risk of inducing hypoglycemia, provided that the individual is not concurrently using other medications that could lower blood sugar excessively.

In contrast to Metformin, medications like Glyburide and Insulin directly influence insulin levels in the body. Glyburide, as a sulfonylurea, stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release more insulin, which can lead to a greater risk of hypoglycemia, especially if meals are missed or if there's an imbalance in carbohydrate intake. Insulin therapy can similarly lead to hypoglycemia if not carefully managed, as it directly lowers blood glucose levels.

Sitagliptin, while having a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to sulfonylureas and insulin, can still lead to low blood sugar, especially when used in combination with other glucose-lowering medications. This means that while it is not as likely