The mechanism of action of Diazoxide

Diazoxide is a nondiabetic benzothiadiazine derivative used to control symptomatic hypoglycemia. Diazoxide promotes potassium efflux from beta cells by binding to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) on the cell membrane of pancreatic beta cells. This hyperpolarizes the cell membrane, preventing the influx of calcium into pancreatic beta cells. Without adequate amounts of calcium in the cells, insulin release is inhibited. Therefore, use of diazoxide can lead to increased glucose levels. Diazoxide is chemically related to the thiazide diuretics but does not inhibit carbonic anhydrase and has no chloruretic or natriuretic activity. It also exhibits antihypertensive activity by reducing arteriolar smooth muscle and vascular resistance.