Which class includes Glipizide, Glyburide, Chlorpropamide?

• A. DPP-4 inhibitors
• B. Sulfonylureas
• C. SGLT2 inhibitors
• D. Biguanides

Answer: (B)

Glipizide, glyburide, and chlorpropamide are sulfonylureas. This class stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells by binding to a sulfonylurea receptor on the KATP channel, causing the channel to close, beta-cell depolarization, calcium entry, and insulin release. The result is lower blood glucose, but with a risk of hypoglycemia and often weight gain. They’re distinct from other options because DPP-4 inhibitors work by elevating incretin hormones to boost glucose-dependent insulin release, SGLT2 inhibitors promote glucose loss in the urine, and biguanides like metformin reduce hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity rather than directly stimulating insulin secretion.