What is Glyburide?
Glyburide and Weight Loss. Glyburide (otherwise known as glibenclamide) is a type of diabetes medicine that has insulin-releasing properties. It has been approved by FDA for the management of type II diabetes. This drug belongs to a class of oral hypoglycemic agents called sulfonylureas. Chemically, this drug is closely related to sulfonamide antibiotics. The drug functions as insulin secretagogues to promote insulin release from the pancreas (or more specifically, the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans). In general, the drug is only effective when beta cells have not been completely exhausted. This medication works best when diabetes is first diagnosed (when the body still produces insulin).
- Also read: Glyburide and Weight Gain
- Also read: Glyburide Side Effects
Managing weight gain
While generally well tolerated and safe, glyburide tablets may cause side effects such as hypoglycemia. Apart form that, the drug may also cause weight gain. Patients that are obese or overweight prior to treatment are especially affected. If poorly managed, weight gain can potentially lead to other complications such as circulatory issues. Once started on glyburide, patients are advised to lose weight through lifestyle modification. As recommended by the American Diabetes Association, patients should exercise regularly and have a balanced, healthy diet. Apart from counteracting the side effect, weight loss may enhance the actions of glyburide, helping it to work more effectively. This may also reduce the dose of glyburide needed. Furthermore, weight loss is known to prevent the progression of type II diabetes. Studies by the Harvard Medical School has suggested that a 5% to 10% reduction of the body weight has a positive effect on diabetes control.
- Also read: Glyburide and Alcohol
- Also read: Glyburide and Hypoglycemia
What to do if you gain weight
As with all other medications, glyburide should be used exactly as prescribed. Poor medication adherence may lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Subsequently, this may lead a range of symptoms such as drowsiness, fruity breath odor, dry mouth, hunger, increased urination and increased thirst. Additionally, patients may also experience weight gain. If weight gain occurs due to a recent dose change, patients should tell their doctor immediately. While highly effective in managing type II diabetes, glyburide (which inherently comes with a risk of weight gain) may eventually worsen the condition without the implementation of appropriate lifestyle modifications. Therefore, it is important to achieve weight loss though dietary change and exercise while using the drug. Weight loss in combination with drug use is the key to successful diabetes management.
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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.
