Prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, glimepiride (brand name Amaryl) is of the sulfonylureas class of anti-diabetes medicines. It is long-acting and lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production in the pancreas and increasing activity of the intracellular insulin receptors. For this reason, it is not for use by type 1 diabetics, as there must be at least some insulin production for the drug to work. Reports about the effectiveness of this drug for diabetes, glimepiride, are generally positive, though many say that it works “too well,” and there is the danger of blood sugar going too low, which may require more frequent meals and very close monitoring. However, there are other sufonylureas that have even greater risk of hypoglycemia than glimepiride – for example, glyburide.
Glimepiride and Diabetes: Weighing the Risks Against the Benefits
The list of side effects of this oral medication for diabetes, glimepiride, is not as extensive as with other drugs, but some are potentially very serious. When first being treated, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may occur, which requires monitoring to determine proper dosages. Other adverse effects can include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, headaches, allergic reactions, and more rarely low white blood cell count, thrombopenia and hemolytic anemia (causing fatigue, pain, an irregular heartbeat, or heart failure). Certain drugs can interact with glimepiride, affecting blood sugar levels. Diuretics, oral contraceptives and thyroid drugs may increase the risk of hyperglycemia, the primary condition of diabetes. Glimepiride usage should be carefully considered, weighing health risks with benefits. Notify your doctor if you’ve had kidney, liver or thyroid disease, and also any pituitary or adrenal hormonal conditions or mineral imbalance. Glimepiride should not be taken by pregnant women or nursing mothers. For these patients, if additional therapy beyond diet and exercise is required, the recommended treatment is insulin.
Learn About Glimepiride Alternatives
Like other medications for the treatment of diabetes, glimepiride should be used along with proper diet and exercise. This should be your first line of defense, before considering any medicine. People are often looking for “quick fixes,” but strong prescription medicines like sulfonylureas, especially when combined with other drugs, can cause dangerous “pendulum swings” of blood sugar levels, perhaps leading to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. A much safer alternative is to try diet and exercise first. Many people have seen dramatic results by cutting out harmful foods such as saturated and trans fats, and foods high in starches and sugars. Begin by substituting fast foods and processed foods with fresh salads, steamed vegetables (especially fiber-rich leafy greens), fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans and legumes. Use “good oils” like omega-3, olive and peanut, instead of butter and margarine. Allow yourself “healthy fats” like olives, nuts and avocado. Drink plenty of water, and consider mineral supplements if you’re deficient (common in diabetics). Especially important are magnesium, chromium and zinc, which all improve insulin sensitivity.
