Sulfonylurea(Gliclazide is the most commonly used drug in the group)
Sulfonylurea work by increasing Insulin production in your pancreas. Main side effects of sulfonylureas are, it causes Weight gain and hypoglycaemic episodes. Because it causes weight gain Sulfonylurea is falling out of favour and used only in specific circumstances. Because weight gain causes more insulin resistance and this will invariably cause increased insulin requirement. This can become a vicious cycle.
We usually use it newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics with a really high HbA1c as a short term measure. Also, we use it as the last resort just before starting someone on Insulin as both cause weight gain.
Sulfonylureas are still widely used because they are extremely cheap.
Elderly people should be especially careful as it can cause hypoglycaemic episodes which can lead to falls.
If you are starting insulin or other types of medication you doctor would usually consider reducing or stop Sulfonylureas altogether.
Sulfonylureas are contraindicated in pregnancy.
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