Glimepiride, a new generation sulphonylurea, in doses of 1-8mg/day, is an effective treatment option for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. Oral bioavailability is approximately 100% and the absence of a food interaction guarantees highly reproducible pharmacokinetics with this drug. A combination tablet formulation of sustained release metformin hydrochloride and glimepiride is beneficial in terms of convenience of administration and patient compliance.