Glyburide for the treatment of gestational diabetes

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of glyburide in patients with gestational diabetes who failed diet therapy. Methods: Patients who were beyond the first trimester and who failed to achieve satisfactory glucose control with diet therapy were treated with glyburide, at a starting dose of 2.5 mg daily. The dose was increased in increments to a maximum of 20 mg/day. The main treatment outcome was achievement of satisfactory glucose control, defined as a mean plasma fasting glucose 90 mg % or less and mean 1-hour postprandial plasma glucose determinations 135 mg % or less. Patients who failed to achieve satisfactory control were treated with twice-daily doses of insulin. Results: During the period July 2001 through December 2002, we managed 197 patients with gestational diabetes. One-hundred twenty-four patients responded to diet alone; 73 were treated with glyburide. Of the 73 patients, 59 (81%, 95% CI 76. 4-85.6) achieved satisfactory glucose control with glyburide; 44 women required 7.5 mg/day or less. Eleven of the 59 women (19%) had macrosomic infants. Eight patients (11%) experienced noticeable side effects related to glyburide; only 1 patient discontinued treatment. Conclusion: Approximately 80% of patients with gestational diabetes who fail to respond to diet therapy can be treated effectively with glyburide. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.