Key takeaways
Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) and nateglinide are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different dosing schedules. Janumet combines two medications: sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). It helps control blood sugar by improving insulin function and reducing sugar production in the liver. Janumet is taken twice daily with meals (immediate release), or once daily if using the extended-release version. Nateglinide, on the other hand, is a meglitinide that stimulates your pancreas to release more insulin. You need to take it three times a day before meals, which can be less convenient. While Janumet is not yet available as a generic, nateglinide is available in a lower-cost generic form. Janumet is less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to nateglinide, which can cause low blood sugar if you skip meals or take it without eating. Both medications can cause side effects like upper respiratory tract infections, but Janumet also carries risks for kidney problems and lactic acidosis, while nateglinide can cause dizziness and joint problems.
