Glibenclamide, also known as glyburide, is a sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agent used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, where it lowers blood glucose by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, enhancing peripheral glucose uptake, and reducing hepatic glucose production. Developed in the 1960s as a second-generation sulfonylurea to improve efficacy and safety over earlier drugs like tolbutamide, it was introduced clinically in the late 1960s and early 1970s and quickly gained popularity due to its potent glucose-lowering effect and longer duration of action. Over time, glibenclamide has become a cornerstone in diabetes therapy worldwide, valued for its effectiveness, affordability, and extensive clinical experience, though careful monitoring is needed to prevent hypoglycemia, particularly in elderly patients or those with renal impairment.
