Evaluating Gliclazide Safety and Effectiveness in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Gliclazide is an oral medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by reducing blood sugar levels. Being a second-generation sulfonylurea, it functions by promoting the release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, therefore improving the regulation of blood sugar levels. This study assesses the effectiveness and safety of gliclazide in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), specifically as a second-line treatment after metformin. It also compares the advantages and disadvantages of gliclazide with other oral antidiabetic medications. The study reviews global diabetes guidelines and clinical studies focusing on gliclazide's mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and clinical outcomes. Gliclazide effectively reduces HbA1c levels, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial blood glucose, showing comparable or superior efficacy to other sulfonylureas. The mechanism involves stimulating insulin release by binding to the sulfonylurea receptor on pancreatic beta cells. The trial indicated that gliclazide may slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, particularly in preventing preproliferative stages, compared to other sulfonylureas. Gliclazide also demonstrated a lower incidence of hypoglycemia and weight gain. Gliclazide is an effective and safe second-line treatment for T2DM, providing robust glycemic control and additional benefits in preventing diabetic retinopathy progression. Its favorable safety profile, particularly regarding hypoglycemia and weight gain, supports its use in diabetes management.