What is Glimepiride (Amaryl)?
Glimepiride, also known by its brand name Amaryl, is an oral prescription drug that is used together with exercise and treatment program to control the level of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride belong to a class of medications called sulfonylureas which act by stimulating the beta cells to produce more insulin. Hence, Amaryl cannot be used in patients with type 1 diabetes because it requires the beta cells to function normally. This medicine may be used alone or in combination with insulin or oral diabetes drugs to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients.
Glimepiride and weight gain
Like most diabetes drugs, sulfonylureas such as glimepiride are known to cause weight gain in patients. Studies have associated glimepiride to weight gain. In one study patients were put under placebo and amaryl treatment over a period of 14 weeks. Patients were randomized to take tablets of 1mg, 4mg, and 8mg. Compared to patients under placebo treatment, those who took higher doses of amaryl tablets showed an increase in weight. On average, patients who took 1mg of this medication gained 2kg more than those in placebo group, while those who took 4mg and 8mg of amaryl gained 2.8 and 3.2kg respectively. The study concluded that a once daily dose of amaryl was effective in controlling blood sugar levels.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Glimepiride is less likely to cause hypoglycemia and has a much less significant effect on weight gain than other sulfonylureas; therefore, these are reasonable medicines for additional sugar control when Metformin is insufficient.
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.
