Oral hypoglycemic agents in the treatment of type II diabetes

The cornerstones of therapy for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are patient education, dietary modification with weight loss, and regular exercise. If diet and exercise fail to control hyperglycemia, pharmacologic intervention is warranted. The sulfonylureas are the only hypoglycemic agents approved for use in the United States. Their hypoglycemic effect is achieved through stimulation of insulin secretion and reduction of insulin resistance in the peripheral tissues. Two classes of sulfonylureas are available. First-generation drugs, such as tolbutamide and tolazamide, are less expensive and less powerful than second-generation drugs, such as glipizide and glyburide.