Sulfonylureas (SFUs)
Sulfonylureas (SFUs) are a type of medication that people with type 2 diabetes can use to lower blood sugar levels.
How do SFUs work?
Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin. As a result, SFUs can cause hypoglycemia, since these drugs stimulate insulin release regardless of your blood glucose levels.
Who uses SFUs?
Sulfonylureas are used by people with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels, especially for people who need larger decreases in their blood sugar than what metformin can provide. However, SFUs can increase a person’s risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – especially for those also taking another diabetes medication or insulin. Discuss this risk with your healthcare team and whether you might benefit from another glucose-lowering medication, such as GLP-1 agonists or SGLT-2 inhibitors.
SFUs should not be used by people with type 1 diabetes.
What are the benefits?
- SFUs are cheaper than many other diabetes drugs and are available in generic brands.
- SFUs are taken orally (as a pill), so they do not need to be injected.
- SFUs have been used for a long time.
- SFUs generally lead to a significant A1C reduction, although this effect usually decreases with time.
What are the drawbacks?
- The use of SFUs can result in weight gain.
- SFUs present a much higher risk of hypoglycemia compared to other type 2 diabetes drugs, such as GLP-1 and SGLT-2 inhibitors.
Commonly used sulfonylurea drugs:
- Glucotrol (Glipizide)
- Diamicron (Gliclazide)*
- Glyburide (Glibenclamide)
- Glimepiride
*Not approved in USA
Last updated: August 2, 2021