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

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and NovoLog (insulin aspart) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Glucovance is a combination of two medications, glyburide and metformin, taken to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, while metformin reduces sugar production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. NovoLog, on the other hand, is a fast-acting insulin injected under the skin to help manage blood sugar in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It works by helping your body absorb sugar from the bloodstream after meals. Glucovance must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset, while NovoLog is injected right before meals to prevent blood sugar spikes. Glucovance is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas NovoLog is available in various prefilled pens and vials. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but NovoLog also carries a risk of weight gain and requires multiple daily injections.

Glyburide/metformin

Get free coupons

NovoLog

(insulin aspart)

Get free coupons

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 Novolog

Prescription only

NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into your body so it can be used for energy. NovoLog (insulin aspart) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. It's typically injected under the skin at mealtimes, but it can also be given as an infusion into the veins by a healthcare provider for people in the hospital. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Indications for Novolog

Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Novolog

Pros

Starts to work within 10 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
Dose can be easily adjusted to make treatment tailored to your specific needs
Can use if you have liver or kidney problems
Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use

Cons

Given multiple times per day (before each meal)
Must give as an injection
Might be hard for some people to inject properly
Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain

Common Side Effects for Novolog

Type 1 diabetes:

Severely low blood sugar (17%)
Headache (12%)
Accidental injury (11%)
Nausea (7%)
Diarrhea (5%)

Type 2 diabetes:

Muscles slow to react (11%)
Severely low blood sugar (10%)
Fungal nail infection (10%)
Impairment of your senses (9%)
Urinary tract infection (8%)
Sinus infection (5%)
Chest pain (5%)
Stomach pain (5%)
Headache (5%)
Skin problems (5%)

Warnings for Novolog

Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low blood potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain blood sugar medications
Dangerously high blood sugar levels or buildup of ketones (for people who use insulin pump)