Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas lower blood sugar by making the pancreas release more insulin. They are pills for type 2 diabetes, used with diet and exercise and often with metformin. Low blood sugar is the main risk, especially with skipped meals, alcohol, kidney or liver disease, or older age, and some weight gain is common. Because they keep working even when blood sugar is already low, people taking them learn the signs of low blood sugar and how to treat it.

• GlipizideKnown brand names include Glucotrol.