Glucovance vs. Levemir for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and Levemir (insulin detemir) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Glucovance is a combination of two medications, glyburide and metformin, and is used for type 2 diabetes. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, while metformin reduces sugar production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Levemir, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin injected under the skin and is used for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. Glucovance must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset, while Levemir can be injected once or twice daily, depending on your needs. Unlike Glucovance, Levemir does not have a generic form available. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but Levemir also carries risks of severe allergic reactions and low potassium levels.

Glyburide/metformin

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Levemir

(insulin detemir)

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Summary for Glucovance

Prescription only

Glyburide/metformin is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) and a biguanide (metformin). You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily with meals. Since glyburide/metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's important to carry fast-acting sugars like gummy candy or fruit juice to quickly raise your blood sugar if needed. Other common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Brand name Glucovance has been discontinued.

Indications for Glucovance

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

Pros and Cons for Glucovance

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
Dose can be adjusted if needed
Taken by mouth instead of an injection

Cons

Need to take with meals
Not safe for use in people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease
More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes

Common Side Effects for Glucovance

Low blood sugar levels (up to 38%)
Diarrhea (17%)
Headache (9%)
Nausea or vomiting (8%)
Belly pain (7%)
Dizziness (6%)

Warnings for Glucovance

Lactic acidosis (too much acid in your body)
Low blood sugar
Possible risk of serious heart problems
Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
Low vitamin B12 levels

Summary for Levemir

Prescription only

Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long-acting insulin that helps control high blood sugar levels in children and adults. It's injected under the skin, typically once or twice daily. Like all insulins, Levemir (insulin detemir) can raise your risk for low blood sugar, so make sure to keep fast-acting sugars with you in case your blood sugar level drops too low. This medication comes in vials. But it's also available as a Flexpen for people who have trouble drawing up insulin from the vial.

Indications for Levemir

Pros and Cons for Levemir

Pros

Lower risk of weight gain compared to some other types of insulin
Doses can be adjusted to meet your body's needs
Insulin pens available for people who've trouble using insulin vials
Provides blood sugar control for up to 24 hours

Cons

Must be injected
Might need to inject it twice daily
Can cause low blood sugar
No generic option available

Common Side Effects for Levemir

Shakiness, hunger, and other symptoms of low blood sugar (up to 93%, depending on what other blood sugar medications you're taking)
Common cold involving the nose, throat, and lungs (up to 27%)
Headache (up to 23%)
Pain or irritation of the throat (10%)
Back pain (8%)
Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms (up to 8%)
Stomach pain (6%)

Please note: These side effects were reported by people who took Levemir (insulin detemir) for type 1 diabetes. Your risk for side effects might be different if you have type 2 diabetes.