Effect of Sulfonylurea in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that results from defects in both insulin secretion and insulin action. The major site of action of this drug relies on the ability of the pancreas to secrete insulin and hence requires functioning β-cells to exert a beneficial effect. Sulfonylureas lower blood sugar by increasing pancreatic β-cell sensitivity to glucose, allowing more insulin to be released from storage granules for a given glucose load. Sulfonylureas occupy a central position in the recommendations of many guidelines for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Concerns, have been raised with respect to possible adverse effects that the use of these drugs might cause. However, sulfonylureas are likely to continue to be a reliable and effective treatment, particularly as combination therapy with metformin hydrochloride.