[Poisonings by oral antidiabetic drugs in Spain. Analysis and evolution during 13 years (1991-2003)]

The prevalence of diabetes type 2 increases and increased in the next years. The pharmacology treatment of the diabetes type 2 is the oral antidiabetic oral drugs. The objective of our study is to know the existence and evolution of the poisonings by oral antidiabetics in Spain. We have studied the poisonings registered by oral antidiabetics in the National System of information toxicological, centre of national reference for acute poisonings in our country, during period 1991-2003.

The total number of poisonings was of 309 subjects, being more frequent in women 52.9% versus 47.1% in men. The clinical poisonings were classified in asymptomatic 13.9%, low symptoms 49.5% moderate serious 31.3% serious 5.1%. The pharmacologic group with greater number of poisonings was of sulfonilurea 66.5%, within this group the glyburide one. In the last years poisonings with but of a drug appear appearing in the 2002 poisoning by triple therapy (sulfonilurea-metformin and alpha-glucosidase inhibitor). It is important to emphasize the absence of mortality and the modification of prescription increase of cases of metformin and diminution of alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. In our study we emphasized the greater one I number of poisonings in group of suckling babies and children with respect to the adults. Everything shows the importance of the correct prescription and use of the oral antidiabetics.