The clinical use of oral sulfonylureas in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Eighty percent of Americans afflicted with diabetes mellitus have Type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Impaired or defective insulin secretion and insulin resistance are universal pathophysiologic findings. Management involves attention to diet, exercise, and commonly the use of insulin and/or oral sulfonylureas. Currently there are six marketed first and second generation agents available for use in the United States. Although the newer agents are more potent, they all share a similar mechanism of action. These agents can only be effective if the patient has retained beta cell secretory function. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences may make the newer agents, glyburide and glipizide, preferred in the management of Type II diabetes mellitus. The combined use of insulin and oral sulfonylureas may be useful for the patient exhibiting persistent fasting hyperglycemia despite maximal oral drug therapy. The precise role for combination therapy and optimal patient characteristics awaits further study.