Oral hypoglycemic agents in type II diabetes mellitus.

The patient with type II, or non-insulin-dependent, diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by obesity and insulin resistance, with resultant hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. Sulfonylureas are the chief therapy for patients with NIDDM; for a limited time, these agents stimulate increased insulin secretion. With chronic administration, sulfonylureas improve the diabetic patient's insulin activity by increasing cellular insulin receptors and reducing insulin postreceptor defects. Metformin, a drug in the biguanide class, is now approved for use in the United States. This drug does not stimulate insulin release but works by lowering glucose in peripheral tissues. It can be used alone or in combination with a sulfonylurea. With sulfonylureas and metformin, therapy for the patient with NIDDM can be more effectively tailored.