Key takeaways
Acarbose (Precose) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different forms of administration. Acarbose is an oral medication that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut, which helps lower blood sugar levels after meals. It is taken three times a day with each main meal. On the other hand, Victoza is an injectable medication that you use once a day. It works by telling your body to release more insulin, stopping the release of more sugar, and slowing down digestion. Both medications are more likely to cause hypoglycemia if taken with other medicaitons to treat diabetes. Victoza can lower the risk of heart-related problems in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes. Acarbose can cause side effects like gas and diarrhea, whereas Victoza might cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, Victoza has a risk of serious side effects like pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, which are not associated with acarbose.
