Weight gain with sulfonylureas

Medications associated with weight gain include insulin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones for diabetes, some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and several anticonvulsants. 

Another frequent side effect of insuhn therapy is weight gain. Some is due to increased caloric storage of glucose by insuhn, and some is due to renal sodium retention resulting in fluid retention and edema. These effects can synergize with oral agents that are often coadministered with insuhn, particularly sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones. 

The most common adverse effect associated with sulfonylurea administration is hypoglycemia, which may be provoked by inadequate calorie intake (e.g., skipping a meal), or increased caloric needs (e.g., increased physical activity). Collectively, sulfonylureas also tend to cause weight gain, which is undesirable in individuals... 

Glimepiride [gly MEH pih ride] is a new, second generation sulfonylurea. It was the first sulfonylurea to be approved for concurrent use with insulin, but has no additional advantage over the other sulfonylureas. Elimination is through the urine and feces. Like all sulfonylureas, it can cause hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and weight gain. 

Weight gain is common with sulfonylureas. In essence, patients who are no longer glycosuric and who do not reduce caloric intake... 

Combining metformin with insulin therapy has been shown to result in less weight gain and better glycemic control with lower insulin requirements Continue combination oral agent therapy + sulfonylurea... 

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