What is Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
It is an oral diabetes medicine that is taken by type 2 diabetic patients to help them control their blood sugar levels. Glimepiride is available as a generic drug as well as a brand name drug called Amaryl. Amaryl belongs to a class of diabetes medicines known as sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas reduce blood glucose levels by increasing insulin production in the body. Insulin works by moving glucose from the bloodstream to the body tissue. Glimepiride can be taken in combination with other diabetes medicines.
Does Glimepiride (Amaryl) Cause Weight Loss?
Studies have shown that glimepiride that is taken as a once daily dose is effective in controlling blood glucose levels and may help obese patients with type 2 diabetes to lose weight. Sulfonylureas are known to cause weight gain among other undesirable side effects. Glimepiride is a new sulfonylurea drug that seems to have more benefits than older sulfonylurea drugs. For example, glimepiride is known to have a rapid onset time and long duration. In 1 study, glimepiride was shown to cause weight loss and stabilize the participant’s weight. Amaryl was used in place of other sulfonylureas to treat the patients. The study concluded that glimepiride has weight neutralizing effect as well as weight reduction effect in type 2 diabetic patients. However, some patients report gaining weight on Amaryl.
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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.
