Factors affecting a glimepiride dosage include the age and weight of the patient. The standard dosage for managing type II diabetes is 1 mg to 2 mg per day, and the dosage should not exceed 2 mg daily. In addition, this medication dosage is usually given with the fist meal of the day, or at breakfast. The health care provider will typically start the patient on the lowest dose and then increase the amount as needed. Glimepiride can control blood sugar levels, but it will not cure diabetes, so even though the patient may feel well, he still needs to take his recommended glimepiride dosage to make sure his blood sugars levels don't spiral out of control.
Although a standard glimepiride dosage is well tolerated by most diabetics, some can experience side effects. These include nausea, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea. In addition, itching, skin rash, and skin redness can occur when taking this medication. In some cases, anemia and a low blood count can occur as can blurred vision, low sodium levels, and sensitivity to the sun.
Taking the recommended glimepiride dosage to treat diabetes should be accompanied by adhering to the diabetic exchange diet, managing weight, and reducing stress because stress has been shown to elevate blood sugar levels. The treatment dosage for glimepiride, an oral medication, may also be augmented by insulin injections.
Patients should routinely test blood sugar levels throughout the day and notify health care providers of abnormal results. In addition to home monitoring of blood sugar levels, the health care provider may also recommend certain blood and urine tests to evaluate diabetes. Monitoring diabetes with blood work and urine testing helps the health care provider to make adjustments in oral medicine and insulin.
Diabetes is a common medical condition, that if not effectively managed, can cause complications such as poor wound healing, kidney problems, risk of heart attack and stroke, and risk of diabetic coma. People with well-managed diabetes, however, can live very long, symptom-free lives. The key to well-managed diabetes is getting regular check-ups, complying with the prescribed medications, including an appropriate glimepiride dosage, and alerting the health care provider when symptoms of complications occur.
Symptoms of diabetic complications can include lightheadedness, sweating, weakness, and nausea. In addition, confusion, a fruity breath odor, palpitations, and fainting can occur. These symptoms need to be treated immediately because they can either indicate hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. When blood sugar becomes too low, consuming orange juice or a piece of candy is sometimes all that's necessary to alleviate symptoms.