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

Key takeaways

Glipizide / metformin and NovoLog (insulin aspart) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Glipizide / metformin is a combination of a sulfonylurea and a biguanide, used for Type 2 diabetes in adults. It is taken orally, usually once or twice a day with meals. NovoLog, on the other hand, is a fast-acting insulin used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adults and children. It is injected under the skin (subcutaneously), typically before meals. Both glipizide / metformin and NovoLog are available as generic medications. NovoLog comes in a vial and also as an injection pen (NovoLog FlexPen and NovoLog FlexTouch). Common side effects of glipizide / metformin include diarrhea, headache, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia); common NovoLog side effects include low blood sugar and weight gain. Both glipizide / metformin and NovoLog can interact with other diabetes medications; when taken together, the risk of low blood sugar is increased.

Glipizide/metformin

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NovoLog

(insulin aspart)

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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 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)