Sulfonylureas diabetes medications are a particular class of oral anti-diabetic drugs that have been used since the 1950s to treat type 2 diabetes. They work with the pancreas to increase the release of insulin from beta cells. The three most common drugs in this classification are glipizide (Glucotrol), glibenclamide (also known as glyburide, marketed as Diabeta, Glynase and Micronase in the U.S.) and glimepiride (Amaryl or GLIMY). Glimepiride is also available combined with pioglitazone (Duetact). Glipizide and glyburide, combined with metformin, are sold as Metaglip and Glucovance. The sulfonylureas diabetes drugs are typically taken just once or twice a day, and may cause low blood sugar if not followed immediately by a meal (or taken right after). They’re usually prescribed when exercise and diet is not enough to balance blood sugar levels, but they can have serious side effects.

Diabetes and Sulfonylureas: What Are The Risks?

The most common …