The sulfonylurea class of drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes function by which of the following mechanisms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sulfonylureas function by binding to and blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, which leads to depolarization and increased insulin secretion. The sulfonylurea drugs function by binding to and inhibiting the pancreatic ATP-dependent K+ channel (KATP) that is responsible for glucosemediated insulin secretion. The normal pancreatic response to increased blood glucose is an increased uptake by b-cells with concomitant oxidation. The increase in glucose oxidation leads to an elevation in the ATP:ADP ratio. This in turn leads to an inhibition of the KATP channel. The net result is a depolarization of the cell leading to Ca₂₊ influx and insulin secretion.

The Sulfonylurea Class of Drugs Used to Treat Type 2