Q. What is the dosage of Glimepiride?
The recommended starting dose of Glimepiride is 1 mg or 2 mg once daily, administered with breakfast. If you are at a higher risk of low blood sugar (e.g., the elderly or patients with renal impairment), you will be given a starting dose of 1 mg once daily. The usual maintenance dose is 1–4 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 8 mg once daily. After reaching a daily dose of 2 mg, the dosage will be increased not more than 2 mg at 1- to 2-week intervals, based on your blood glucose level.
Q. Can you take Glimepiride on an empty stomach?
No. Taking Glimepiride on an empty stomach can cause your blood sugar levels to become too low. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, shaking, anxiety, irritability, a fast heartbeat, and confusion. Therefore, you should always take the medicine with breakfast or the first meal of the day. If you are skipping your meal, then you should also avoid taking Glimepiride.
Q. Does Glimepiride make you sleepy?
Glimepiride itself does not cause sleepiness. However, it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other anti-diabetes medicine. Because of this you may feel sleepy or have problems in sleeping.
Q. Can Glimepiride cause weight gain?
Yes, Glimepiride can cause weight gain. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea drug and causes the pancreas to release insulin. It may stimulate hunger and cause mild weight gain in some people. Patients are advised to eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly to keep their weight stable.
Q. What should you not eat while taking Glimepiride?
It is advisable to avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, instead consume fats from fish and nuts. Control your carbohydrate intake as this directly affects your blood sugar.
Q. Who should not take Glimepiride?
Glimepiride should be avoided by patients who are allergic to it, have severe kidney or liver disease, have G6PD-deficiency (an inherited condition affecting red blood cells) or are due to have surgery. Additionally, patients who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus) should avoid taking Glimepiride.
Q. Is Glimepiride safe for kidneys?
Glimepiride does not affect kidneys in patients with normal kidney function. However, its use should be avoided in patients with severe kidney disease since Glimepiride is principally eliminated by the kidneys.
Q. Does Glimepiride cause memory loss?
No, it is not known that Glimepiride causes memory loss. However, the use of Glimepiride may cause low blood sugar which may cause problems with concentration and reduced alertness.
Q. How long does it take for Glimepiride to start working?
Glimepiride takes about 2 to 3 hours to reduce blood sugar levels. You may not feel any difference, but this does not mean the medicine is not working. Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor and if you have any concerns, discuss it with your doctor.
Q. How long do I need to take Glimepiride? Can I stop the medication?
Usually, the treatment for diabetes is suggested for a long term. You may have to continue the treatment life long. Glimepiride only controls the sugar levels but does not cure it. Do not stop taking Glimepiride without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Glimepiride suddenly your diabetes may get worse.
Q. What can happen if I take more than the recommended dose of Glimepiride?
Glimepiride should be taken strictly as advised by the doctor. Overdose of Glimepiride may significantly decrease your blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). If you think you have taken an excess dose and experience a dip in your sugar level, consume enough sugar (e.g., a small bar of sugar cubes, sweet juice or sweetened tea) and inform a doctor immediately. Severe cases of hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness and coma require immediate medical treatment and admission into hospital.
Q. Is Glimepiride safe to use?
Yes, Glimepiride tablet is safe when used as directed by the doctor. However, it may show some side effects. For best results, it should be used in the correct dose and at the same time each day.
Q. Can people with diabetes have proteins?
Yes, people with diabetes must include proteins along with other essential nutrients in their daily diet. Proteins are one of the major energy providers among all essential nutrients. Besides, being the building blocks of the human body, proteins break down into glucose to release energy. Unlike carbohydrates, the metabolism of proteins into glucose is much slower. Therefore, the release of energy usually takes a few hours after consumption. Thus, the spike in blood sugar levels might occur after a few hours when you are on a high-protein diet.
Q. Are artificial sweeteners good for people with diabetes?
No, artificial sweeteners are not good for people with diabetes. They are composed of chemicals that can cause mild to severe side effects. Thus, it is better to limit or avoid their use as much as you can.
Q. Can diabetes cause kidney failure?
Yes, uncontrolled diabetes can cause kidney failure. In the long run, diabetes can affect the kidneys leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a condition that is a major cause of kidney failure in patients with diabetes. The best way to prevent damage to kidneys is by keeping diabetes in check, making dietary changes, monitoring sugar levels regularly, getting routine blood tests done, and taking prescribed medications on time.
Q. Can diabetes be cured?
Diabetes is a condition that causes changes in your blood glucose levels, which if left uncontrolled, can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. However, with simple lifestyle changes, diet, and medications, one can manage their condition and lead a healthy life.
