(Click Amaryl Uses for more information on what Amaryl is used for.)
Amaryl is made by sanofi-aventis.
Generic Amaryl is made by several manufacturers.
Amaryl is part of a class of diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea, such as Amaryl, helps the
pancreas to produce more insulin. It also helps the body's cells respond better to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels decrease.
In studies looking at the effects of Amaryl, people who took Amaryl decreased their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 2 percent compared to people who did not take Amaryl.
HbA1c is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Normal HbA1c levels are usually less than 6 percent in people without diabetes; people with diabetes usually have higher HbA1c results.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as
heart disease,
diabetic retinopathy,
diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with Amaryl, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these
diabetes complications.
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