Effects of oral sulfonylureas on the spectrum of defects in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Blood glucose and plasma insulin responses to hypoglycemic agents in normal subjects and patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are presented. The responses of the normal subjects and the diabetic patients show differences in response to different hypoglycemic agents. Interim data from the United Kingdom's prospective study of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are presented. About half of the anticipated subjects (approximately 2,000) have been enrolled in that clinical trial as of December 1984. It is concluded that sulfonylurea drugs have a role in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, but that each patient must be treated individually since the disease is heterogeneous. Furthermore, more studies than are now customary should be performed on each patient to determine which of several available agents is most appropriate.