Opens Kir6.2/SUR1 KATP channels in the pancreatic beta cell → the membrane hyperpolarizes → voltage-gated calcium entry stops → insulin is not released
Exactly the channel the sulfonylureas CLOSE — the two mechanisms are reciprocal, and so are their glucose effects
Used to RAISE glucose: hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, insulinoma
Drugs with this mechanism (1)
Diazoxide — KATP channel OPENER that shuts off insulin release; the mirror image of a sulfonylurea.