About Glimepiride
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by making the pancreas release more insulin.
How to take it
Take it once a day with breakfast or the first main meal. Do not take it and then skip the meal.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar (sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion), especially if a meal is missed or delayed.
- Some weight gain.
Call your doctor if
- You have repeated low sugars, or one low sugar that needed help from another person.
- You are fasting, for example in Ramzan, or going for a surgery. The dose often needs to change.
Take care
Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach. Take extra care with low sugar if you are older or have kidney disease.
From our clinic: Always carry glucose tablets or sugar. If your sugar falls below 70 mg/dL, take 15 g of sugar and check again after 15 minutes.