The utility of oral diabetes medications in type 2 diabetes of the young

Curr Diabetes Rev. 2005 Feb;1(1):83-92. doi: 10.2174/1573399052952569.

Abstract

Background: An estimated two-thirds of medications prescribed for use in pediatric patients have not been proven safe or effective for this patient population. Since 1995 a dozen orally administered diabetes medications or combination of medications for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Of these, only one (metformin) is approved for use in pediatrics. As the prevalence of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes continues to rise, the need for adequate information regarding the safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing of oral diabetes medications in the pediatric population likewise increases.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to present the data available regarding the use of oral diabetes medications in a pediatric type 2 diabetes population.

Methods: A computerized literature search was performed using Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Results: The Table consists of a summary of data regarding the use of oral antidiabetic agents in pediatric patients. These data include information regarding drug safety and efficacy and/or drug pharmacokinetic and drug dosing information.

Conclusions: Data concerning the safety and efficacy of oral diabetes medications to treat type 2 diabetes of the young is limited. Data currently available support the use of metformin as first-line drug therapy. Results of prospective studies over the next three to five years will better define the role of thiazolidinedione use as initial therapy in pediatric type 2 diabetes patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral*
  • Biguanides / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Glucosidases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Injections
  • Insulin / administration & dosage
  • Insulin / therapeutic use*
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Thiazolidinediones / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biguanides
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • 2,4-thiazolidinedione
  • Glucosidases