Description: A sulfonylurea is any drug that increases the release of insulin by the pancreas. Glimepiride is a type of sulfonylurea and works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreatic cells. When the pancreas releases less insulin, blood sugar levels may increase. Metformin lowers blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Metformin reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver by inhibiting gluconeogenesis. Inhibition of gluconeogenesis means that fewer nutrients are converted into glucose, therefore reducing the amount of glucose in the blood.