Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which medication is most associated with weight gain in diabetic patients?

1. Liraglutide

2. Metformin

3. Acarbose

4. Glimepiride

The correct answer is: Glimepiride

Glimepiride is an oral sulfonylurea medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. One of the well-known side effects of sulfonylureas, including glimepiride, is weight gain. This occurs because sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin regardless of blood sugar levels. Increased insulin can lead to lower blood sugar, but it also promotes fat storage and can result in weight gain. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in diabetic patients who may already be struggling with weight management. Other medications listed, while they have their own profiles, are associated with weight management in a different manner. Metformin is often used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and is actually associated with weight neutrality or slight weight loss in many patients. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has also been shown to facilitate weight loss in some patients due to its effects on appetite and digestive processes. Acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, has not been linked with weight gain and may help in managing blood glucose without promoting weight gain. Thus, glimepiride stands out among the choices as the medication most commonly associated with weight gain in diabetic patients, making it