Sulfonylureas: A Widely Used Oral Anti-Hyperglycaemic Medication for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a fast growing epidemic and a public health concern all over the world due to its increased incidence and its devastating complications. Sulfonylureas (SUs) are oral glucose-lowering agents that are characterized by efficient glycemic control with cardiovascular safety and renal benefits, and use as the second-line drugs for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although SUs have some side-effects, its glucose-lowering effect is immediate and stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. It contributes to the development and progression of hypoglycaemia. It is used as an alternative or a complement to Metformin. SUs should be avoided by the elderly weak patients who are at high risk of hypoglycaemia. In this mini review the basic and clinical pharmacology of SUs are described.