Tag: Oral hypoglycemics

In some studies, post-prandial hyperglycemia (high blood sugar after meals) was recorded at least once in 84% of patients with otherwise well-controlled type 2 diabetes. For these individuals, knowing **when should meglitinides be administered** is critical for managing these glucose spikes.

In 2021, an estimated 38.4 million people in the United States had diabetes, with 90-95% of them having type 2 diabetes [1.8.1, 1.8.3, 1.8.4]. Understanding **what is the difference between sulfonylureas and biguanides in pharmacology** is crucial for managing this condition, as they are two major classes of oral medications with distinct mechanisms [1.2.2].

Since their introduction in the 1950s, sulfonylureas have been a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes. Primarily, another name for sulfonylureas is **insulin secretagogues**, as they function by stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin. While their use has evolved, they remain an effective and widely used treatment option for many individuals managing their blood sugar levels.

Both meglitinides and sulfonylureas are a class of oral medications for type 2 diabetes that stimulate insulin release from the pancreas by acting on ATP-sensitive potassium channels. However, the key difference between meglitinides and sulfonylureas lies in their specific binding sites, pharmacokinetics (onset and duration of action), dosing schedule, and associated risk of hypoglycemia.

Over 38 million Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% of them having type 2 diabetes [1.9.1]. For many, oral medications are a key part of management. This raises a common question for patients and clinicians: **which is better, glipizide or repaglinide**, for controlling blood sugar?

According to the American Diabetes Association, meglitinides are one class of oral medications prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. This rapid-acting group of drugs includes specific agents like nateglinide and repaglinide, which work by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin in response to a meal.

Although their use has declined, sulfonylureas have been a mainstay in treating Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) for over 60 years and can decrease glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) by 1% to 1.25%. So, what are sulfonylureas and how do they work?