Efficacy of Glyburide in Diabetics Poorly Controlled on First-Generation Oral Hypoglycemics

Twenty-four type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients poorly controlled on maximum doses of first-generation oral hypoglycemic agents were switched to glyburide. There was a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin, but the level was normalized in only four patients; there was no correlation with age, weight, or duration of diabetes. The best predictor for improvement was initial failure on tolbutamide, as opposed to the other first-generation drugs. Patients not controlled with 500 mg/day of chlorpropamide were less likely to benefit from glyburide therapy.