Paper II
2017 February (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Sulfonylureas in type II diabetes mellitus.

Q33 marksShort Notes

Answer

Sulfonylureas are insulin secretagogues used in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Examples

  • Glibenclamide, Glimepiride, Glipizide

Mechanism of action

  • Bind to the SUR1 (sulfonylurea receptor) subunit of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels on pancreatic β-cells
  • Cause channel closure → membrane depolarization → opening of voltage-gated calcium channels → calcium influx → increased insulin secretion
  • Require functioning β-cells to be effective (ineffective in type 1 DM)

Uses

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in non-obese patients with residual β-cell function

Adverse effects

  • Hypoglycaemia (most important)
  • Weight gain
  • GI upset
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • (Glibenclamide has a higher hypoglycaemia risk than newer agents like glimepiride)

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