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

Key takeaways

Glipizide/metformin (generic) and Levemir (insulin detemir) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have a few differences between them. Glipizide/metformin combines two drugs: glipizide, which helps your pancreas release insulin, and metformin, which lowers the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs. Levemir, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin that you inject under your skin, and it helps control blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. While glipizide/metformin must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar, Levemir can be taken once or twice daily, depending on your needs. Glipizide/metformin is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Levemir does not have a generic option. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but Levemir also carries risks of severe allergic reactions and low potassium levels. Additionally, Levemir might be more suitable during pregnancy, whereas glipizide/metformin is not recommended for children or during pregnancy.

Glipizide/metformin

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Levemir

(insulin detemir)

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Summary for Metaglip

Prescription only

Glipizide/metformin combines two diabetes medications into one tablet: glipizide (a sulfonylurea) and metformin (a biguanide). It's approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults along with diet and exercise. This medication is typically taken by mouth once or twice a day. Some common side effects of glipizide/metformin can include diarrhea and headache; it isn't likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.

Indications for Metaglip

Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Metaglip

Pros

Taken by mouth
Combination medication, so more convenient to take
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Need to take with meals
Can't take during pregnancy
Not an option for children

Common Side Effects for Metaglip

Diarrhea (18%)
Headache (13%)
Cold or flu infection (10%)
Low blood sugar levels (9%)
Muscle pain (8%)
Nausea, vomiting (8%)
Stomach pain (6%)
Dizziness (5%)

Warnings for Metaglip

Lactic acidosis
Possible risk of serious heart problems
Low blood sugar levels
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.