Sulfonylureas for Type 2 Diabetes

Sulfonylureas are used in the management of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Sulfonylurea derivatives are a class of Anti Diabetic drugs that are used in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

The primary action of Sulfonylurea medicines is to increase the amount of Insulin produced by the Pancreas. Insulin controls the Blood Glucose levels in the body, but it has other functions too. When the body does not produce enough Insulin or does not use the Insulin it has effectively, the result is higher levels of Blood Sugar.

Sulfonylureas are used to stimulate the Beta cells in the Pancreas to produce more Insulin and also help the body to use Insulin. This then lowers the Blood Sugar levels by up to 20%. However, Sulfonylureas are not a substitute for Insulin and are NOT appropriate for treating patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1.

Sulfonylureas have been used for a long time in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Doctors generally advise taking these medicines once or twice a day daily before meals. They can be used alone or in combination with Insulin or other Oral medications for Type 2 Diabetes.

There are some Side Effects and one should be cautious before taking any medications and should take them only after consultation with a registered Medical Practitioner or Doctor. There is a risk of Hypoglycaemia under certain conditions if Sulfonylureas are

1. Used with more than one medication

2. Taken after a vigorous exercise

3. Taken after a missed meal

4. Higher dose of once daily Sulfonylureas

5. Risky if used for patients who are already suffering from Kidney, Heart or Gastrointestinal Disease.

Other side effects may include upset stomach, light sensitivity and liver abnormalities. If you drink alcohol, it may cause skin flushing after drinking alcohol and cause Hyponatremia (low blood salt). They also tend to cause weight gain and tend to keep high Insulin levels in the body for a longer period of time. High Insulin levels may risk your chances of getting a heart disease.

The safety of Sulfonylureas during pregnancy is NOT yet established and hence they should not be given during pregnancy and to nursing mothers as it is secreted in breast milk. Doctors can switch over to Insulin therapy for their pregnant patients.

Sulfonylureas have NOT been approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration for use in children with Diabetes Mellitus. Also patients who are allergic to Sulfonamides (Sulfa Drugs) should not use Sulfonylureas.

People with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 should NOT use this drug. This drug should be used only after consultation with a Doctor. Please do not attempt self medication as it will pose a threat to your health and life.