How Well It Works

Sulfonylurea medications work rapidly to control elevated blood sugar levels; they often are the first medication selected to treat people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is preferred for initial treatment because it doesn't cause low blood sugar or weight gain. The great majority of people have better control of their blood sugar by using a sulfonylurea medication along with diet and exercise than by using diet and exercise alone.

However, the medication may become less effective after several years of use. Some people who no longer respond to one sulfonylurea may respond to a different one.

Results of the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) showed that sulfonylurea medications:

* Were as effective as metformin and insulin in reducing blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes.1
* Decreased the risk for complications of the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy).2

Sulfonylurea medications do not decrease fat (triglycerides) in the blood as does metformin.