Oral hypoglycaemics. When not to use what

Abstract

Background: In the 1940s and '50s the first oral hypoglycaemic agents (the sulphonylureas and metformin) became available. These remained the only agents for the next 50 years. Over the last five years three new classes have been released. General practitioners now have a wider range of effective hypoglycaemic agents from which to choose.

Objectives: This article focuses on those patients where particular agents should not be used: i.e. 'when not to use what'.

Discussion: In general however, it must be remembered that problems with oral hypoglycaemics are rare. The great majority of patients have no problems with their prescribed hypoglycaemic medication.