New uses for old drugs: neonatal diabetes and sulphonylureas

Cell Metab. 2010 Mar 3;11(3):179-81. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2010.02.004.

Abstract

The discovery that their neonatal diabetes is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the K(ATP) channel has enabled many patients to switch from insulin to oral sulphonylurea drugs. Here, I review molecular, physiological, and clinical features of this change in therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus / congenital*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • KATP Channels / genetics*
  • KATP Channels / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mutation*
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Insulin
  • KATP Channels
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds