Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Sulfonylureas (SU)

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by binding to and closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by binding to and closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

This action leads to depolarization of the beta cell membrane, opening of voltage-dependent calcium channels, and an influx of calcium ions. The increased intracellular calcium triggers the release of insulin from secretory granules.

Approved indications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Common side effects

• Hypoglycemia
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Key clinical trials

• Early Add-On Combination of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist and SGLT2 Inhibitor in People With Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Stage 2-3
• A Pragmatic Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Comparative Effectiveness Between Dapagliflozin and Standard of Care in Type 2 Diabetes Patients (PHASE4)
• Lung Cancer Risk in Type 2 Diabetes With COPD: SGLT2 Inhibitors vs. Sulfonylureas
• Efficacy and Safety Study of MP-513 in Combination With Sulfonylurea in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE3)
• Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
• Comparison of Type 2 Diabetes Pharmacotherapy Regimens
• Promoting Alternatives to Sulfonylureas to Improve Patient Safety in Type 2 Diabetes (NA)
• Second-line Therapies for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.