Objective: There are several drugs used as first-line in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with different mechanisms of action, such as metformin, glimepiride, and glibenclamide. The mechanism action of the drugs through stimulation and increased insulin sensitivity. This mechanism can have side effects on the organs excreting the drug. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of the three drugs in alloxan-induced rats.
Methods: A total of 15 rats were divided into five groups with each group consisting of three rats: Normal Control (NC), Induced Control (DC), Metformin 9 mg/kgBW, Glimepiride 1 mg/kgBW, and Glibenclamide 5 mg/KgBW. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) levels, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine Serum (SCr) and Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT) were obtained. Data analysis using ANOVA and a post-hoc test.
Results: The results show that in comparison of the three anti-diabetic drugs, glibenclamide causes the highest damage to the pancreas and liver. Meanwhile, glimepiride provides the safest results for the kidneys, and metformin is safest for the liver.
Conclusion: The result showed that the drug glibenclamide caused the highest damage to pancreatic cells and glimepiride gave the greatest decrease in blood glucose levels, but the use of glimepiride for 14 d was safer for use than for glibenclamide for kidney parameters.