What's the latest on sulphonylureas in the management of type 2 diabetes?

Abstract

Sulphonylureas act by binding to sulphonylurea receptors and stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This class of oral hypoglycaemic agents is still widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes in patients where lifestyle changes alone are insufficient. Although the older-generation sulphonylureas no longer have a place in therapy, the newer- generation sulphonylureas are a widely recognised choice, either as monotherapy, or in combination with insulin and/or other oral hypoglycaemic agents.

Keywords:

• sulphonylureas
• glibenclamide
• gliclazide
• glipizide
• glimepiride
• chlorpropamide
• type 2 diabetes