The second-generation sulphonylurea, glimepiride, provides glycaemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and exerts beneficial ancillary effects on other cardiovascular risk factors, according to studies presented at the 18th Congress of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) [Paris, France; August 2003]. These studies demonstrated that glimepiride, as monotherapy or in combination with metformin or rosiglitazone, improved glycaemic control without causing significant increases in bodyweight or high incidences of hypoglycaemic events. Furthermore, treatment with glimepiride produced significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including BP, lipid metabolism and myocardial function, suggesting unique benefits of this agent in type 2 diabetes.