Treatment of chemical diabetes mellitus with sulfonylurea compounds

Abstract

Abnormality in glucose tolerance appears to correlate with arteriosclerotic disease, even when the abnormality is quite mild. Though there is no evidence for prevention of these vascular problems by correction of the carbohydrate abnormality, it seems reasonable to attempt such a correction in an investigational setting. We have used sulfonylurea (tolbutamide, chlorpropamide) in children and young adults (9-35 yr) without obesity, who have chemical diabetes. No apparent effect on insulin output has been noted, even with normalization of glucose tolerance.