Review Paper Evolution of Sulfonylureas in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is becoming fast growing epidemic all over the worl d. Despite several oral drugs available in the market, the most traditional as well as the most popular of them all are sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas have been a foundation for maintaining glucose levels in type II diabetes . Although having many side effects, this class of co mpounds is still being used as the second-line recommended choice of oral glucose-lowering treatment after metformin. In the present review, various stages involved in the development of these drugs h ave been discussed through important case studies. The mode of action of sulfonylureas in biological s ystem has been reviewed. Comparison of commercially available sulfonylureas has been made while discussing their chemical synthesis and metabolism inside gastrointestinal tract. A systema tic study has been made on various antidotes that a re available in the market to overcome hypoglycemia associated with the use of sulfonylureas.