Glipizide, Glyburide, Glimepiride - What are Sulfonylureas?

Sulfonylureas (SUs) like Glipizide, Glyburide , & Glimepiride are some of the more commonly prescribed oral diabetes medications out there. In this video, I talk about how SUs work, what the benefits are, and what the down-sides rare. I also offer my thoughts/opinions on where they fit in the medical management of Type 2 diabetes and reduction of hemoglobin A1c.

[@GD-lj7mm]

Another great video! My boyfriend's vision was off for a few days and I decided to take his sugar. 440! He called his Doctor immediately, and was put on Glyburide since he hasn't been diagnosed and his last a1c was in mid 5's. He has had gastroparesis and sporadic bezoars that require botox injections since he was a teen and cannot take reglan, so I think that must have a hand in it. I had issues taking Glipizide and kept almost passing out , but his sugar isn't coming down, so they are gonna try it short term and check again in a few weeks. Thanks to your video, I could send him a great video explaining everything to him. Well done!

[@sachit2394]

Researching for my parents. Your channel is amazing - Don't stop making content.

[@rodrigopabricanutri]

The explanation was just amazing.

[@jawajab5173]

Thank you for unpacking in a language so clear and practical to a layperson like me who has just bn taken off glipizide abt 3 wks ago:))

[@reeceramirez810]

Your Videos are the best I have ever seen! I have been a type 2 Diabetic for over 20 years ( 5' 4") and no family history. I have taken many medications but one of my Docs took me off Victoza and suggested metformin and Glimepiride which has screwed with my "gut" for years....( another long story) Anyway I am now switching to Trulicity but I do think I need a higher dose...Taking the yellow one. Anyway you have helped me to understand this Disease more than any Doctor or other Diabetes educator in 40 years and your videos are a must see for every Diabetic!!! Thank You!

[@francisjdsouza9605]

Thanks for the good message

[@clhollins1252]

Thanks for making this and daring the information. I think the cravings are the hardest part for me. Stress eating knocks my sugar out of the ball park. My goal is to trim down and by the end of 2021...come off the diabetes meds 🤢. I hate taking them but, right now it’s a must!

[@sugarhighchannel]

That’s an outstanding goal. We are going to talk a lot about diet, exercise, weight loss, and everything else that helps reduce the need for Diabetes meds. Hope to see you as a subscriber and let me know ANYTIME there’s something you want to know more about.

[@kms250]

Off Glipizide and now taking Ozempic! That’s like streaming audio in best quality mode compared to listening to a transistor radio! Great informative video here!

[@nidiazavala1095]

Great Work!!! Thx for the info.... wish my mom would listen

[@sugarhighchannel]

Well, there’s more info on the way. Make her subscribe and maybe it’ll soak in, lol. 😆

[@studyhousecommunity5495]

Helpful. Thank you

[@RobHoward83]

Thanks for this! I was the one who asked about Glipizide and sore throat on reddit! Very informative. I'm going to talk to my doctor and see if I can ditch the glipizide for something else, if he feels I need it. My dietary changes and an increase in activity is already lowering my bgls pretty well. I'm not on insulin and the last thing I want is to trash my pancreas due to medication. If I'm going to trash it, dammit, I want to trash it with food and poor lifestyle!...Just kidding ;)

[@sugarhighchannel]

Rob Howard Glad you’re doing well! That’ll be awesome if your diet and activity are enough to keep it there. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@pvswaminath2719]

Thanks doctor for your balanced outlook on glipizide which I am using along with Metformin.I take 25mg glipizide before my night meals and next morning my blood sugar is about 60mg Should I try a lower dosage.?

[@drnutell]

Great video sir, can you provide a link to that chart that evaluates the different Meds? Subbed Thanks.

[@HalifaxCanadaScotia]

I m a virgo amd I m kind of falling in love with you because of your super high intelligence you are going to be one of my favorite doctors on KZbin from now onwards love lots of respect from india ❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@rockobattino3318]

Wonderful, you speak well which makes it easier to understand what you’re saying.. you’re like talking with a friend. (I subscribed)

[@sugarhighchannel]

Glad you found it helpful! I appreciate the kind feedback.

[@estherlouisamay]

I enjoy learning about different diabetes medications as a person with autism or other medications in general I'm a t-1 diabetic so I know that oral medications won't work for me but watching out of interest 🙂

[@denisekiser9925]

WOW!! I just got increased to 10mg. 😬😬😬 I would love to hear about the newer meds. However when I see those commercials they freak me out with all the warnings.

[@sugarhighchannel]

I’ll be talking about all those warnings as well and I’ll try to put them all into context so they’re more understandable.

[@melonaansah2373]

Thanks for your detailed information and explanation. Please can diabetic patients who is suffering from frequent edema take Furosemide??? She is already on metformin and amlodipine because she is hypertensive as well and other supplements. But she recently started experiencing the swelling of her both ankles and foots

[@marydavid6654]

Could you please make a video of which oral medication is the best for type 2 diabetic to start with. Maybe be a slow release tablet because I exercise and teach fitness classes. Cost is not a problem if it help .

[@mohamedbm3846]

Nice video

[@benjaminhogan3157]

I remember Diabenese, Orinase, Tolinase and Dymelor when I started.

[@chipkensinger7664]

How can I get a pdf copy of the ADA Algorithm chart you showed indicating that SUs are mostly prescribed as a result of cost issues? Very interesting.

[@sugarhighchannel]

Here's a link: care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S111.figures-only

[@divinewon73]

Ozempic offers many great features, but the weight loss has to be carefully considered because it has been determined that the weight loss can consist of a 50-50 combo of fat loss and muscle mass loss. If using Ozempic, be sure to adjust your diet with extra protein and whatever else to retain muscle mass.

[@noelgustafson181]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@originalresqme]

My doctor just recently had me stop Actos and doubled my glimepiride from 2mg to 4 mg. She was more concerned with removing Actos (my previous endocrinologist also tried to remove my Actos but I had to get back on it because without it my A1c shot up.) The reason they both tried to remove the Actos is because of swelling of my legs (calves.) I'd rather suffer the swelling though than damage my pancreas/liver/kidneys. Neither one of them mentioned the dangers of sulfonylureas to me.

[@lucykobakov8094]

please do a video on Lantus(solo star)and Junemat.thanks

[@sugarhighchannel]

I have a video on long acting insulin, which covers Lantus. You should be able to find that on the channel page under the section "diabetes medication". I'm working on a video that should talk about Janumet as well. Stay Tuned!!

[@nanduthalange7736]

Another outstanding video - I couldn’t agree more. SUs are bad for most people with diabetes

[@geetadubey8327]

Video is too good

[@CommonSenses101]

Dr. Which type would you recommend?

[@almabarrios4454]

Dr Sugar high, Im 74 years old and I have type 2 Diabetes for about 30 Years,first I use Metformin ,then metformin cause me Stomach pain then Im using Glipizide 5MG 2 times a day and starting insulin 8 units a day,now im going to 12 units. my Doctor don't want to change the glipizide because my Thyroid was removed for cancer. what is You Advise? I will Appreciate You Answer Thank You

[@monetpiedad7611]

I just remembered my grandpa today who took Euglocon for years until he died. 54 yrs old to 81 yrs old, that's 27 years of taking a Glyburide!! I would sometimes go with him during his medical check up in the mid to late 90's (he died 2003) so now I am wondering how come they had let him take that medicine for years! He was bedridden for 5 years and had dementia before he died. He was a war veteran so his medicine supplies for hypertension and diabetes were free. I wonder if he could have gotten better and have lived a few more years if we (family) had really paid more attention to his medicines.

[@sugarhighchannel]

Well, a couple of thoughts. 1.) remember that these aren’t “bad“ medicines. Lots of people do really well taking sulfonylureas. They may not be my first choice in today’s medical setting, but that doesn’t mean your grandfather was being poorly treated. 2.) Back when your grandfather was taking these medications, they were the best we had. Depending on what country you live in, Metformin may have even been relatively new at that time. None of the newer alternatives that I prefer nowadays even became available until the mid 2000s, and some in the 2010s.

[@monetpiedad7611]

@@sugarhighchannel Thank you I feel better now with the insight you provided.

[@bernardmauge8613]

I have my own stink test on these docs. This one is for real and he gives sound advice, You will learn more with him than two years trying to talk with your doctor. Plus he will not sell you anything at the end of the video. Everything he said is correct. I would add to cut out all the carbs and go easy on meat. You will lose the weight and reduce your A1C Also leafy greens for fiber and mineral all organic. Any meds you take will wear out eventually, so change your diet first and use the meds as little as possible to make them last and go easy on your liver and kidneys

[@mohammadrafishaikh..1]

Which is best for diabetis in gliclazide or glimipiride, plz reply

[@dougnew8152]

I was taking metformin and was getting from it so my dr put me on glimeperide and the first 90 days of taking it if lowered my A1C

[@AxelQC]

Please do a video on Ozempic and Trulicity.

[@sugarhighchannel]

For sure! I’ve already started working on a Trulicity video and an Ozempic video will come shortly after. I’m planning on doing videos on each med individually with demos on how to use the injector device as well as a video like this sulfonylurea video where I talk about the entire class.

[@8184tiger]

Taking Glycomat GP 1 causes hypoglycemia if meals are not taken within 3 hours . Causes low blood sugar during the day . Need to eat something within 3 hours interval . Causes overeating also due to being anxious of low sugar.

[@clg82]

I love you. And I love your videos. But quick question, why does becoming hyperglycemic make you gain weight?

[@sugarhighchannel]

clg82 Folks, these are the comments I get when my best friend subscribes to the channel. Dude is a real-life Type 1 diabetic and I have a feeling you’re going to meet him in future videos. 😂

[@sugarhighchannel]

But to answer your question, in T1’s, extra glucose will eventually get into the cells, including fat cells, when insulin becomes available. Glucose gets stored into fat. 😘

[@monetpiedad7611]

@@sugarhighchannel Hi. I'm Type 2 and my experience is different. I lose weight at least 10 lbs. when my bs is uncontrolled (high). In fact, it was the unexpected weight loss that prompted me to see a doctor and to learn I am diabetic. My use of insulin was inconsistent until the past 2 years so my observation is that I gain weight (10-15 lbs) whenever I use insulin but it helps bring down my bs to normal.

[@manakumar1309]

I have to increase weight. So I need to take sulfonylurea. To increase weight and to avoid hypoglycemia which medicine should I go for? Please help

[@whirlium]

Why do they work for Mody3?

[@Mike73010]

I think that if you have a strong heart, strong mind, and decent blood pressure that is most important in living long. The numbers and problems are overrated by doctors. I know people that smoked a pack of cigs a day and drank alcohol every week their whole life and lived to 99 and 100. I am an expert on knowledge. Thats why its called major medical.

[@Rusty6507]

My Dr recently told me to stop taking glimepiride and we will retest A1C later. Well....my FASTING blood glucose in the morning is EXTREMELY high, no surprise...that's making me very nervous. Samples of Jardiance worked well but my insurance puts it at almost $2k for three months, which is outside of my abilities to pay for. On the up side, my hair-trigger temperament disappeared within the first week...I noticed the I am VERY ZEN now vs my previous agitation and fowl mood for YEARS. Who knew it was the glimepiride...that side effect is buried in the side effects at the very bottom of the literature, under possible but not common. Now, since this elimination of the SU was initiated after the first of the year, my current Medicare Part D insurance does not cover alternative drugs at a reasonable price. Immensely bad for my BS control. I wish I could change Part D plans.

[@njcamocutie7085]

I just went to a Endo,i have t2.I feel like hes putting me on so much meds.Can i ask you something do ppl take metforman and glimeperide at same time? Also what about taking metformin,glimperide and victoza plus 30 cc of Basgalar..Just need opinion.I dont wamma take all tjis crap and im scared

[@sugarhighchannel]

NJ CAMOCUTIE Hi. People use Metformin and Glimepiride together all the time. In fact, many countries have the two meds available combined into the same pill. For some reason, that combo pill never came to the US. Not really sure why. As far as your specific med combo, I can’t really say if it’s ideal for you without knowing your specific circumstances, but I can tell you that there’s no specific reason why that combo CAN’T be used.

[@njcamocutie7085]

@@sugarhighchannel ok that soothed my mind a little.I just hate this whole cocktail of meds..Can i ask you if tou agree with t2 being a dietary disease?

[@sugarhighchannel]

NJ CAMOCUTIE Sort of. Type 2 diabetes is a METABOLIC disease that is often profoundly worsened and accelerated by diet. There’s a whole lot more to it then too much sugar in the diet. There’s a whole lot more to it than just resistance to insulin. There’s a ton of metabolic pathways that are involved. If I’m understanding your question correctly, I think you’re asking about the theory that any diabetes patient can completely reverse their condition and get off all medications if they get on the right diet and get to the right weight. There’s a lot of truth to that idea, if it’s early enough in the disease course. But if the disease has progressed and beta cells in the pancreas are trashed, even perfect diet and weight loss often isn’t enough to make meds unnecessary. There’s also a major genetic component to diabetes as well. Someone who has the tendency toward diabetes will always have that tendency toward it, even if it’s being very well-managed by diet and lifestyle. Those core metabolic issues still remain.

[@njcamocutie7085]

@@sugarhighchannel wow ok. Wealth of information.I just want ro thank you for these vids and taking the time to anwser questions.I think you told me more in a short paragraph then my ( ANNOYED) doctor. Bless your heart

[@sugarhighchannel]

Thats about the nicest compliment I could ask for. I’m honestly happy to help and glad people are getting something out of this.

[@HayleyGlauser]

Hi (Reddit Member Hayleycreates) - Fantastic Information. Thank you. My Dr. recently put me on 2000 Metform of 1000XL x2 daily, and since that wasn't making a big enough difference, even with very moderate carbs (Not Keto or super low carb, because I find it too hard to have that as a lifelong change) anyway, he added Glipizide 60mg tablets. So I take Metformin at about 7am and 7pm or as close to as possible and Glipizide midday. You mentioned that Glipizide can contribute to weight gain, sorry can you elaborate on that? I also noticed I have to be really careful to eat enough during the day or I will go down to sometimes 2.6. So now I make sure I have something to eat before I go to bed like a boost or banana and almonds as I've woken up in the 2's in the middle of the night. I've been pretty good keeping my sugars around 4.6 - 7.4 during the day, and just a few spikes up to 10-12 if I have something with higher carb load. But I really try and watch that. My last A1c was 11.4% and I'm expecting quite a bit of improvement. Thanks again for all your great videos. They are so helpful.

[@sugarhighchannel]

Thanks for your comment; I'm glad you've found these videos helpful. You sure the Glipizide is 60mg? Looks like you're in Europe (by your blood sugar reporting) and I'm not sure about the approved doses there, but in the US the highest tablet is 10 mg with a maximum daily dose of 40 mg. As for as the weight gain, these meds increase insulin release and, therefore, overall insulin levels. Insulin is known to cause weight gain, which is likely the main reason these meds can contribute to that. If you're having that many hypoglycemia episodes, you might consider talking to your doctor about it. There are other options that work just as well without hypoglycemia (check out my video on SGLT-2 medications). My personal feeling is that a person with Type 2 diabetes should never have to eat to keep up the medication. But it sounds like you're definitely moving in the right direction. Keep it up!!

[@HayleyGlauser]

@@sugarhighchannel I'm in Canada. I just noticed it says RAN-Gliclazide MR 60mg Tab on the prescription bottle. I definitely think I've contributed to my lows by not eating regularly enough. I seem to have this habit of just not wanting to eat, even if I know I should and I'm hungry. (I'm just being lazy and not wanting to make something) Not anything other than that.

[@muchvibrant]

@@HayleyGlauser Glipizide and Gliclazide are different

[@LorenaBalaguer31]

So it won’t work for type one diabetics?

[@sugarhighchannel]

Generally, no. There can be some use for these meds early in Type 1 diabetes (during the honeymoon phase), but that's short lived. A med that causes insulin release is not effective once the cells lose the ability to produce that insulin.

[@AL2VAR]

What about MODY? My country's guidelines recommend sulfonylureas (and insulin after they stop working). What are the other options in such cases? GLP analogs?

[@monetpiedad7611]

My first diabetic medication when I was diagnosed in 2003 was Glimiperide Solosa 1 mg. A year after, Metformin 500mg was added. Years after, glimiperide became 2mg until Vildagliptin 50mg and Lantus 24 units were added on top of 3 x a day 500mg Metformin. Forward to 2020, I am now taking Metformin 500mg 3x a day and Toujeo 10-15 units a day only, I have to check my blood sugar before lunch to determine how much insulin to inject. Hypoglycemia is terrible, I had that quite frequently when I began injecting insulin while still taking vildagliptin. I woke up middle of the night all sweat chilling and so weak I had to crawl almost literally to the kitchen for a juice or something to eat. Later I kept a little bowl of sweets on my bedside. I learned of an acquantance's friend that she has brain damage when she woke up from a coma due to hypoglycemia. My dictor said, others do not wake up at all because they felt no symptoms. Mybe in your next videos you can talk more about hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. In my opinion based on my experience, hypoglycemia is more dangerous. Have you experienced a patient who went into a coma or had brain damage due to hypoglycemia? How much is the chance of recovery? Many Thanks again and sorry for the long comment.

[@sugarhighchannel]

A video all about hypoglycemia is definitely on my to-do list. You’re right that hypoglycemia can be more immediately threatening than the long-term effects of hyperglycemia.

[@sugarhighchannel]

I do have patients that have experienced episodes of hypoglycemia where they lose consciousness, but giving glucose or glucagon usually brings them right back. This is much more common in a type 1 diabetic person than in type 2s. Thankfully the episodes where someone slips into a true coma are quite rare.

[@95KIPPIE]

Glipzide does very well with no side effects after 1 year!!

[@fritzthecat6164]

How many mgms aday its ok?

[@firefox914]

Metformin 2000mg/day has no effect on reducing my blood sugar, but taking Glimepiride 4 mg at dinner brings my blood back down. So, what med should I use inplace of Glimepiride?

[@sugarhighchannel]

That's a question that only your healthcare provider can answer. Glimepiride might be the perfect medication for you. I generally lean towards med in the GLP-1 or SGLT-2 classes (I have videos on each of those on my channel that you might find helpful), but glimepiride still helps people, even if it's not my favorite.

[@GEMOGRAPHER]

Greetings Doctor I'm a 57yrsold longterm T2 diabetic. Was under Glimipiride 2 mg +Metformin 1gm+ INVOKANA 100 + LANTUS Glargine 16units. I stopped Glimipiride 2 mg after seeing some video. Hoping to get out of sulfunos. 15 days now. But my fasting and daytime readings are constantly raised to 180 ave. Even while fasting twice a week. And I feel drowsy.... Should I go back to Glimipiride 2mg? Thank you

[@sugarhighchannel]

I can't really provide specific medical advice on this platform. Thanks for sharing your experiences, but medical decisions are best made between you and your own healthcare provider

[@Tina-lw1zh]

Me gustaria En. Espanol

[@dougnew8152]

For me metformin was bad news! I f go as to eat all the time because it would drive my sugar down really low and I would get really sick and fatigued

[@vivianaranda3793]

Newer and better options are very unaffordable!!!

[@95KIPPIE]

Take these opinions with an enormous grain of salt. Always consult your doctor, not a doctor on here. They are just here giving their two cents to get on their soapbox for a few minutes

[@mohamedbm3846]

I am Indian ,, suffering sugar

[@mirzacasili1516]

idont experience hypoglycemia my organs are all normal i have my ultrasound a moth ago normal cbc

[@carolinepandian8630]

Meeting Dr IGUDIA KZbin channel was the beginning of a new life for me after using his herbs medication in curing my Diabetes disease.

[@PEPPEREDxMINT]

The three G's not for me that is a sure track to type 1 diabetes!

[@Rusty6507]

I loved the corny

[@WahidMahmood-ex5wo]

Interment fasting and remove carbs out of ur diet or limit them between 40to60 grams ur cells will become sensitive again,diabetes is ur just carb intolerance until u fix the problem.

[@hoebeng1]

You are causing confusion by contradicting yourself.