What is the primary action of sulfonylureas in type 2 diabetes?

What is the primary action of sulfonylureas in type 2 diabetes?

• A. Stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion to lower blood glucose.
• B. Inhibit renal glucose reabsorption.
• C. Slow gastric emptying.
• D. Suppress hepatic glucose production.

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is how sulfonylureas work in type 2 diabetes. They act by stimulating the pancreatic beta cells to release insulin, which lowers blood glucose. Mechanistically, sulfonylureas bind to receptors on the beta-cell KATP channels, close them, cause cell depolarization, open calcium channels, and trigger insulin granule release. This effect depends on some remaining beta-cell function, which is why these drugs are more effective earlier in the disease. They’re not primarily reducing blood glucose by inhibiting kidney glucose reabsorption (that’s SGLT2 inhibitors), nor by slowing gastric emptying (seen with certain GLP-1–related therapies), nor by suppressing hepatic glucose production (a primary action of metformin and similar agents).

The main idea tested is how sulfonylureas work in type 2 diabetes. They act by stimulating the pancreatic beta cells to release insulin, which lowers blood glucose. Mechanistically, sulfonylureas bind to receptors on the beta-cell KATP channels, close them, cause cell depolarization, open calcium channels, and trigger insulin granule release. This effect depends on some remaining beta-cell function, which is why these drugs are more effective earlier in the disease. They’re not primarily reducing blood glucose by inhibiting kidney glucose reabsorption (that’s SGLT2 inhibitors), nor by slowing gastric emptying (seen with certain GLP-1–related therapies), nor by suppressing hepatic glucose production (a primary action of metformin and similar agents).