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

Key takeaways

Acarbose and Levemir (insulin detemir) are both medications used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Acarbose is specifically used for Type 2 diabetes, while Levemir is used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor taken orally, and it works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut. Levemir, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin injected under the skin, helping to lower blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period. Acarbose is available as a generic medication, whereas Levemir does not have a generic option. Common side effects of acarbose include gas and diarrhea, while Levemir can cause low blood sugar, headaches, and injection site reactions. Acarbose is less likely to cause hypoglycemia when used alone, but Levemir can increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially when combined with other diabetes medications.

Acarbose

Get free coupons

Levemir

(insulin detemir)

Get free coupons

Summary for Precose

Prescription only

Acarbose is a medication that's used together with a healthy diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It isn't as commonly used as other diabetes medications since it can lead to some unpleasant side effects like gas and diarrhea. But acarbose is less likely to cause hypoglycemia compared to other diabetes medications when used on its own. This medication is only available as the generic name acarbose since the brand name Precose has been discontinued.

Indications for Precose

Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Precose

Pros

Not likely to cause weight gain, instead it might cause weight loss
Helps control blood sugar levels after you're eating
Low risk of low blood sugar when used alone
Can be used with other diabetes medications
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Must be taken multiple times a day
Needs to be taken with meals
Side effects include excessive gas and diarrhea
Not recommended for people with severe kidney problems
Typically not considered a first-choice treatment option

Common Side Effects for Precose

Excessive gas (74%)
Diarrhea (31%)
Stomach pain (19%)

Warnings for Precose

Low blood sugar when taken together with other diabetes medications
Changes in liver labs
Losing control of blood sugar

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.