Definition of "sulfonylurea" [sulfonylurea]

• Any of a group of hypoglycemic drugs, such as tolbutamide, that act on the beta cells of the pancreas to increase the secretion of insulin. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It controls a molecule called the sulfonylurea receptor 1 or SUR1."
• "When JANUVIA is used in combination with another type of diabetes medicine known as a sulfonylurea, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to the sulfonylurea can occur."
• "For this reason, people with type two diabetes can be treated with therapies that decrease insulin demand, including diet, exercise, and drugs; with medications that increase insulin supply, such as sulfonylurea or meglitinides or with insulin itself."