Gliclazide MR and its effects in preventing the development of vascular complications in diabetes

The paper presents an overview of the research dealing with the effects of gliclazide MR in a number of aspects of the pathophysiology

of vascular changes in diabetes. The efficacy of this agent has been demonstrated by long-term use in the clinical practice; however,

gliclazide MR has certain exceptional pharmacological properties and haemovascular and antioxidative effects which distinguish it from

the other agents of the class of sulfonylurea derivatives. The development of vascular complications in diabetes is a complex process

involving a number of different but interrelated components, e.g. oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction can be favourably affected

by treatment with gliclazide independently of improved diabetes compensation. In addition to the low potential for the development of

hypoglycaemias due to the favourable pharmacodynamic parameters of gliclazide MR, the positive cardiovascular outcomes reported

in clinical trials, particularly in the ADVANCE project, may be explained in this way.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, gliclazide MR, oxidative stress, vascular complications