Key takeaways
Acarbose (Precose) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Acarbose, available only as a generic, is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut, leading to lower blood sugar levels after meals. It must be taken multiple times a day with meals and can cause side effects like gas and diarrhea. On the other hand, Janumet combines two medications: sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and metformin, a biguanide. This combination helps lower the amount of sugar your liver releases and improves your body's response to insulin. Janumet is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, taken either twice daily or once daily, respectively. While Janumet is not yet available as a generic, it is less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medications. However, it carries risks like lactic acidosis and kidney problems, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing conditions.
