Benefit
Lowers blood glucose levels indiscriminately
Drawback
Works by causing the body to secrete insulin, which may lead to early exhaustion of insulin production (i.e. one may require insulin sooner in the context of T2D)
Potential need for increased dose after 6 months of use
Common Sulfonylureas
- DiaBeta, Glynase, or Micronase (glyburide or glibenclamide)
- Amaryl (glimepiride)
- Diabinese (chlorpropamide)
- Glucotrol (glipizide)
- Tolinase (tolazamide)
- Tolbutamide
Common Glinides
Have a relatively rapid-onset, but unlike sulfonylureas only last for a short time.
Taken 30 minutes prior to a meal. Limits post-meal spikes in blood glucose levels.
- Starlix (nateglinide)
- Prandin (repaglinide)
Safety / Adverse Reactions
- Hypoglycemia
- Weight gain
- May cause beta-cell exhaustion