Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Overview

There are five main categories of oral medications used to manage type 2 diabetes.

The five classifications of oral hypoglycemic agents are: Sulfonylureas, Meglitinides, Biguanides, Thiazolidinediones (glitazones), and Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

Oral insulin is not available.

Oral hypoglycemic medications are primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes.

Oral hypoglycemic agents aim to correct high blood sugar, prevent long-term damage, and improve heart health in people with type 2 diabetes.

Sulfonylureas are the first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Sulfonylureas are a primary treatment option for type 2 diabetes.

Sulfonylureas work by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Sulfonylureas are chemically related to sulfonamide antibiotics.

If a patient has a sulfa allergy, it's crucial to avoid Glucotrol, a common Sulfonylurea medication.

Glucotrol, Micronase, and Diabeta represent the first generation of Sulfonylureas.

Amaryl is a well-known example of a second-generation Sulfonylurea.

For Sulfonylureas to effectively work, the patient's pancreas must still produce some insulin.

Sulfonylureas work by binding to potassium channels in the pancreas, ultimately triggering the release of insulin.

Sulfonylureas can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

As a nurse, checking a patient's blood sugar level is a critical first step in managing their care.

Certain medications, like NSAIDs (except ibuprofen), sulfonamide antibiotics, large amounts of alcohol, and Cimetidine (Tagamet), can lower blood sugar.