What is a potential side effect associated with the use of sulfonylureas?

Sulfonylureas are a class of medications commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. One notable side effect of these medications is weight gain. This can occur because sulfonylureas increase insulin levels, which not only helps lower blood glucose but can also promote fat storage and increase appetite.

When a patient is on sulfonylureas, they may experience an increase in body weight due to enhanced caloric intake as a result of reduced glucose levels in the blood, which can lead to improved appetite. Over time, the cumulative effect of insulin on fat storage can contribute to a noticeable increase in weight.

While other side effects such as nausea or decreased appetite may occur in some patients, they are not as commonly associated with sulfonylureas as weight gain. Hypotension is also not a typical side effect of this medication class. Understanding the side effects of sulfonylureas is crucial for effective patient management and monitoring.