What is Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
Glimepiride is a prescription drug that is available as oral tablet. This drug is commonly prescribed with an exercise and diet program to control blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. Glimepiride is also sold under the brand name Amaryl. Amaryl belongs to a class of medication called sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas work by increasing the amount of insulin that is released by the pancreas. This helps to reduce high amounts of blood glucose. This medication should be taken orally with breakfast once every day.
What is Metformin?
It is an oral diabetes medication that is taken by patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is marketed under the brand name Glucophage and belongs to a class of medication called biguanides. The medication works by improving your cells’ response to the natural insulin produced by the pancreas. This oral drug also works by reducing the amount of glucose that is released by your liver and that is absorbed by the stomach. Glucophage can be prescribed as a combination therapy with other diabetes drugs, but should not be used to treat type 1 diabetic patients. You should not take this medicine if you have diabetic ketoacidosis or severe kidney disease.
Similarities and differences between Glimepiride and Metformin
Similarities
Glimepiride and metformin are oral prescription drugs that are used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients. Both medications are normally taken once every day with the first main meal. Your dosage will be determined by your health-care provider. These meds can be used alone or as part of a combination therapy to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetic people. When it comes to side effects, both glimepiride and metformin share the same side effects that include nausea, headache, and weakness.
Differences
Amaryl is available in pill form while Glucophage comes in pill, extended release pill and liquid form. As well, both medications come in different strengths. Glimepiride is usually prescribed to treat type 2 diabetic patients. On the other hand, doctors also prescribe metformin to reduce the risk of developing diabetes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Doctor’s Recommendation
Patients should know that Metformin is still king in terms of type 2 diabetes control and arguably should be added with insulin for type 1 diabetic individuals as well. Adding Glimepiride should generally be considered only if the patient is already on the maximum dose or maximum tolerated dose of Metformin and additional glucose control is needed. Metformin also makes it so that the small intestine is less efficient at absorbing carbohydrates, which may result in some diarrhea, especially if the patient consumes too many carbohydrates. Patients may benefit from adopting a low carbohydrate or ketogenic diet when pairing Metformin. Patients on Metformin should also be supplementing modest doses of vitamin B12 and receiving annual blood work at a minimum.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
