Glycomet GP1 is an oral anti-diabetic medicine used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to manage Type 2 Diabetes. It combines Glycomet GP Metformin and Glimepiride as active ingredients to control blood sugar levels and blood glucose levels, reduce insulin resistance, increase insulin production, and lower HbA1c levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Learn about its uses, side effects, dosage, and safety tips.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
- Medicine Name: Glycomet GP1
- Form: Oral tablet
- Manufacturer: USV Ltd.
- Prescription Required: Yes
- Drug Type: Anti-diabetic medication
- Drug Class: Combination of Biguanide (Metformin) and Sulfonylurea (Glimepiride), preferably taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water for the best results, depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to follow the prescribed dose of Glycomet GP for optimal effectiveness to avoid any potential risks of adverse effects.
- Dosage Strength: Glimepiride 1 mg + Metformin 500 mg (SR)
- Available Forms: GP1, GP2, GP3 (dose variants)
- Route: Oral consumption with water
Composition
- Glimepiride – A sulfonylurea class drug
- SR: Sustained Release formulation for longer action
- Excipients: Stabilizers, fillers, and film-coating agents
- Tablet Color: Typically white or light yellow
Mechanism of Action
- Glimepiride: Stimulates pancreas to release more insulin
- Metformin: Decreases glucose production by the liver
- Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity
- Combined Action: Controls both fasting and post-meal sugar
- Lowers HbA1c levels over long-term use
Glycomet GP1 Uses & Indications
- Type 2 Diabetes – Main use
- Insulin Resistance – Helps manage
- Obesity-related diabetes – Aids weight stability, especially with regular exercise
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – Sometimes prescribed off-label
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been studied in relation to obesity-related diabetes and aids weight stability, especially with regular exercise
- Post-prandial blood glucose – Controlled better than monotherapy
- Fasting sugar levels – Reduction observed
- Stable sugar profile over 24 hours
- Delays diabetes-related complications
- Used when diet + exercise aren’t enough
Dosage & Administration
- Usually 1 tablet once daily with breakfast
- Dosage depends on blood sugar profile
- Must be taken at same time daily
- Should be swallowed whole, not crushed
- Dosage may be increased by doctor
- Do not skip meals while taking this
- Adjusted for kidney or liver function
- Not recommended for Type 1 diabetes
- Avoid alcohol with this medicine
- Consult doctor before changing dose
Side Effects of Glycomet GP1
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Metallic taste
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea (especially during first few days)
- Weight gain (rare with metformin)
- Flatulence
Side Effects (Serious, Rare)
- Lactic Acidosis (rare but serious) – symptoms of lactic acidosis may include abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, lower back pain, difficulty breathing, reduced body temperature and heartbeat, severe tiredness, and symptoms of hypoglycemia such as sweating, dizziness, and intense thirst. Additionally, some patients may experience kidney stone symptoms such as severe pain and discomfort.
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling)
- Liver dysfunction
- Pancreatitis (very rare)
- Vision changes
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Seek emergency help for above symptoms
Precautions Before Use
- Inform doctor of any kidney or liver issues
- Avoid in alcoholics or those with heart problems
- Caution if on diuretics or steroids
- Can interact with other antidiabetics
- Avoid if you have severe gastrointestinal problems
- Not for ketoacidosis treatment
- Avoid dehydration
- Monitor regularly if over age 65
- Watch for signs of lactic acidosis
How It Helps Diabetes
- Lowers overall blood sugar
- Improves fasting blood sugar (FBS)
- Controls hunger spikes through intermittent fasting
- Reduces insulin resistance
- Controls hunger spikes
- Improves body’s insulin sensitivity
- Lowers A1C levels over time
- Helps prevent diabetic complications
- May help reduce cholesterol
- Supports weight maintenance
Monitoring During Use
- Check FBS and PPBS regularly
- Monitor HbA1c every 3–6 months
- Follow a balanced diet rich in whole grains while undergoing periodic kidney function tests (KFT)
- Monitor liver function (LFT) and alcohol intake
- Regular eye checkups
- Monitor weight and appetite
- Maintain sugar logbook
- Test urine for sugar and ketones
- Report unusual fatigue or muscle pain
- Watch for cold hands/feet (circulation issues)
Diet & Lifestyle Tips While Taking
- Follow a low-sugar, high-fiber diet
- Exercise regularly (30 mins/day)
- Avoid sugary drinks and sweets
- Eat balanced meals at regular times
- Don’t skip meals to prevent hypoglycemia
- Stay hydrated
- Limit alcohol
- Avoid smoking
- Sleep 7–8 hours
- Manage stress to control sugar
Drug Interactions
- Insulin – risk of low sugar increases
- NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) – may affect kidney
- Steroids – may increase blood sugar
- Diuretics – risk of dehydration
- Antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) – may affect metformin
- Beta-blockers – mask hypoglycemia symptoms
- Antacids – may alter drug absorption
- Thyroid medicines – may reduce effectiveness
- Antifungals – interaction possible
- Always check before taking new meds
When to Avoid Glycomet GP1
- If allergic to metformin or glimepiride
- Severe kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe dehydration
- Alcohol intoxication
- Severe infection
- Pregnancy (unless advised)
- Heart attack recovery phase
- After surgery without doctor’s permission
Missed Dose / Overdose
- Take missed dose as soon as remembered
- Skip if it’s close to the next dose
- Do not double the dose
- Overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia
- Symptoms of overdose: sweating, tremors, confusion
- Seek emergency help immediately
- Always keep a sugar source handy
- Inform someone close if on this medication
- Wear a medical ID bracelet if diabetic
- Store medicine safely away from children
Storage
- Store at room temperature (below 30°C)
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Avoid moisture and humidity
- Keep in original packaging
- Do not use expired tablets
- Dispose unused medicine properly
- Keep away from pets and the reach of children
- Do not refrigerate
- Avoid transferring to unlabelled containers
- Store separately from vitamins or herbs
Benefits Summary
- Controls Type 2 diabetes effectively with the benefits derived from the crushed leaves of the neem tree
- Combines 2 medicines in one pill
- Better sugar control than monotherapy
- Once-daily dosing for ease
- Cost-effective in Indian market
- Available in all pharmacies
- Improves quality of life
- Reduces risk of long-term diabetic issues
- Safe under doctor supervision
- Widely prescribed across India