What you need to know about the diabetes pill Glimepiride

When your doctor told you that you have diabetes , or type 2 diabetes, you probably were prescribed a medication called Glimepiride. Some people know it by the brand name Amaryl. This is a very common and very important medication that is used to control diabetes . So, what exactly does this medication do inside your body? What are the things you need to be careful about when using it? What are the side effects ? Today, we will talk about all of this in a very simple way that you can understand.

What really happens with this medicine?

Okay, let's put this simply. A person with diabetes may have two main problems in their body. One is that they don't produce enough of the hormone insulin , which is needed to control blood sugar levels. The other is that the body's cells cannot properly use the amount of insulin that is produced.

Glimepiride belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It basically tells your pancreas to "make more insulin." This means that when this medicine is taken, the insulin levels in your body increase. In addition, it helps your body's cells respond to insulin better (i.e., use it better). Both of these things lower your blood sugar ( glucose ) levels, helping to control diabetes.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before giving you Glimepiride, your doctor will ask you a few questions. But sometimes you may forget. So, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Don't hide these things, because they can affect you.

How should I use this medicine?

This is also very important. To get the most out of the medicine, you need to take it exactly as prescribed.

• Take by mouth: This comes as a pill, take with a glass of water.
• Take with food: Usually, doctors tell you to take this pill with the first main meal of the day (breakfast). There is a reason for that. Taking it on an empty stomach can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low ( hypoglycemia ).
• At the same time every day: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
• If you are over 65 years old: Older people may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. So your doctor may start you on a lower dose.
• If given to children: Special care should be taken if this medicine is given to children. Talk to your doctor about this.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

If you suspect that you have taken more than you think, or if you find out that your child has taken these pills, do not waste any time . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Please do not panic at this time. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, if you are due in the morning the next day in a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at the same time. Doing so can cause your blood sugar level to drop dangerously low.

Other medications that may interact with Glimepiride

This is also something that many people don't know. One medicine we take can "interact" with another. That means the way the two medicines work can change. This can either increase the effect of Glimepiride and cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, or it can decrease its effect and cause uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

When taking Glimepiride becomes a part of your life, there are some responsibilities that you need to take on.

• See your doctor regularly: Go to the clinic on scheduled days. The doctor will check how well your diabetes is being controlled.
• HbA1C test: This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This test is usually done every 3 to 6 months.
• Check your blood sugar levels at home: If possible, get a glucometer to keep at home and learn to check your blood sugar levels regularly. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar ( hyperglycemia ), and what to do in those cases.
• Keep some sugar with you: Wherever you go, carry some sugar, such as a glucose tablet or a sweet toffee, in your bag or pocket. If you feel like your blood sugar is low (shaking, sweating, feeling dizzy), eat some quickly.
• Don't skip meals: It is very dangerous to skip meals while taking this medication. Doing so can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low.
• Be careful in the sun: This medicine may make your skin a little sensitive to the sun. Therefore, if you are going out in the sun, use an umbrella, wear clothing that covers your body, and apply sunscreen.
• Wear a medical ID: It's important to carry a bracelet, necklace, or card that says you have diabetes and the medications you take. It could save your life in an emergency.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Glimepiride can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. Don't worry, it's important to be aware of them.

How do you store your medicine?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture. It is not a good idea to keep medication in the bathroom.
• Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.

Glimepiride is a great medicine that helps control diabetes. The most important thing is to use it correctly and be well-informed about it. If you have any other questions about this medicine, don't keep them to yourself, but ask your doctor.