ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC AGENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES: METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF LITERATURE

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a critical review of available literature on the use of oral hypoglycemic agents for the treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Material and Methods: The literature search by consulting the descriptor "Gestational Diabetes AND Treatment”, was conducted during the first half of 2010 (months from January to June, 2010), on the electronic databases of information in health: Scielo (www.scielo.org) and PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed). Were selected Controlled Clinical Trials on the oral hypoglycemic agents and/or insulin treatment of GDM, published over the past ten years in any language. Data collected were: sample size, hypoglycemic agent; country of the study, probable risks, advantages and disadvantages of oral hypoglycemic agents. Information about safety, risks and treatment options of GDM with oral hypoglycemic agents were also collected. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: The available literature included 23 studies, from which 16 works have proved efficacy and safety in the use of oral hypoglycemic agents, similar to insulin. The probable risks are controversial and the main given drugs are glyburide and metformin. Conclusion: The oral hypoglycemic agents have potential to replace the insulin therapy in the treatment of Gestational Diabetes. Among the available drugs, glyburide and metformin are highlighted as the best treatment options. Descriptors: Gestational Diabetes. Hyperglycemia. Insulin. Metformin. Glyburide.