One of the oral medications that type 2 diabetics use to control their blood glucose levels is sulfonylureas. It acts by stimulating the diabetic's pancreas to produce its own insulin. This is a very common drug used for treating type 2 diabetes and it is often the first drug that is used to control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. While every drug is bound to have some side effects, this one is relatively safe with the risk of developing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, as its only major side effect.
Because sulfonylureas has been around for a while it has both first generation and second generation drugs in its family. In the first generation of sulfonylureas there are the drugs: AcetohexamideAcetohexamide, Chlorpropamide, Tolazamide, and Tolbutamide. This generation of drugs have higher risk factors for cardiac disease complications and the development of hypoglycemia. It is recommended that if you take a first generation sulfonylureas, that you know the warning signs of hypoglycemia, and that you carry with you hard candy, glucose tablets, or insulin in case your blood glucose becomes low.
To increase the effectiveness of this drug generation's results, physicians also recommend modification of the diabetic's diet and exercise regimen in conjunction with the first or second generation sulfonylureas. You also will need to take precautions when taking this kind of drug. You will not want to mix it with alcohol, nor do you want to mix it with any over-the-counter or prescription drug without first talking with your doctor about possible interactions that may occur. Also if you are planning on any type of surgery, including dental procedures, you will need to talk to your doctor about how this drug will impact your ability to handle the stresses caused by such procedures.
Second generation sulfonylureas include: Glimepiride, Glipizide, and Glyburide. The second-generation drugs in this family have many of the drawbacks of the first generation including increase risk of cardiovascular disease, and the development of hypoglycemia. It is recommended that diabetics taking this generation of sulfonylureas also monitor and manage their diet and exercise level according to their doctor's recommendations to insure that the drug is able to produce the needed results for the person. Allergic reactions and drug interactions are possible with this drug so don't mix it with any unauthorized substance, including alcohol.