Potential of Triazines as Antidiabetic Agents—A Review of Structures and Pharmacological Activity

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a major global health challenge, represents approximately 96% of all cases of diabetes worldwide. Epidemiological forecasts indicate the prevalence of this disease could rise by almost 45% over the next 25 years. T2D is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by insulin resistance and progressive impairment of β-cell function. Untreated T2D can lead to serious microvascular and macrovascular complications. Traditional therapies have focused primarily on glycaemic control, whereas modern treatment strategies are increasingly centred on the broader pathophysiology of T2D. Among new therapeutic approaches, triazine derivatives have gained significant attention as versatile scaffolds for the development of antidiabetic drugs. This article provides a comprehensive review of triazines (mainly 1,2,4-triazines and 1,3,5-triazines) as promising compounds for the treatment of T2D and its complications. Three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched for the period of 2000–2025. Over the past 25 years, numerous compounds have been described. They were primarily investigated as inhibitors of digestive enzymes and factors that cause diabetic complications. The individual sections discuss the biological activity of these compounds, focusing on SAR analysis and the studies conducted (in vitro, in silico, and in vivo). During this period, two compounds, fotagliptin and imeglimin, have entered clinical use. The results show that triazines have great potential to become antidiabetic drugs. They can not only regulate blood sugar levels (by acting on digestive enzymes, insulin secretion or glucose transport) but also directly prevent serious complications of diabetes.