Main use Active ingredient Manufacturer
Type 2 diabetes Gliclazide Servier

How does it work?
Diamicron tablets contain the active ingredient gliclazide,which is a type of medicine called a sulphonylurea. (NB. Gliclazide is alsoavailable without a brand name, ie as thegeneric medicine.) Gliclazide is used to help controlblood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes)have a deficiency of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is produced by thepancreas and is the main hormone responsible for controlling sugar levels inthe blood. It normally makes the cells of the body remove excess sugar from theblood. In type 2 diabetes insulin is produced inefficiently in response tosurges of blood sugar, such as following a meal. The cells of the body alsobecome resistant to the action of insulin that is produced, which means thatblood sugar levels can become too high.

Gliclazide works mainly by stimulating the cells in the pancreasthat produce insulin. These cells are called beta cells. Gliclazide causes thebeta cells to produce more insulin. This helps to decrease the amount of sugarin the blood of people with type 2 diabetes.

Gliclazide improves insulin production immediately after eating.This is called early or first phase insulin secretion. The enhanced insulinproduction results in a blood sugar lowering effect in response to meals orglucose, as occurs naturally in people without diabetes.

Gliclazide is used when dietary measures, weight loss andphysical exercise are not enough to control blood sugar levels in people withtype 2 diabetes.

Gliclazide also has effects in the blood vessels. It has beenshown to prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together in theblood. It also increases the breakdown of blood clots that form within theblood vessels. This may help prevent the long-term complications of diabetes,which may be partly due to changes in the blood vessels caused by thesemechanisms.

What is it used for?
Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes, when diet, exercise and weight loss have failed to fully control blood sugar.
Warning!
Your doctor may want you to check your blood sugar level from time to time while you are taking this medicine. Make sure you discuss how to do this and how often with your GP, pharmacist or diabetes specialist.
On rare occasions, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can occur as a side effect of this medicine. This is more likely to happen if you suddenly do more exercise than normal, have your meals at irregular times, eat less than usual, or miss meals altogether. For this reason, it is important that you follow any dietary or exercise advice given to you by your doctor. You should also make sure you are aware of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia (these may include cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, anxious feeling, unusual tiredness or weakness, confusion, difficulty in concentration, excessive hunger, temporary vision changes, headache or nausea) and what to do if you experience these symptoms. Discuss this with your GP, pharmacist or diabetes specialist.
People who are taking antidiabetic tablets should only drink alcohol in moderation and accompanied by food. This is because alcohol can make your warning signs of low blood sugar less clear, and can cause delayed low blood sugar, even several hours after drinking.
If you get an infection or illness, or have an accident while taking this medicine you should let your doctor know, because whe