Metformin and insulin are drugs used to lower high glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterized by high glucose levels due to lack of insulin or the inability of the body to utilize available insulin. There are two types of diabetes: Type-1 diabetes is treated using insulin, while type-2 diabetes is mainly treated using oral antidiabetics.
Metformin
Metformin is sold under the brand name Glucophage and is an oral antidiabetes medication used to help control blood glucose levels in type-2 diabetics, according to Drugs.com. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of glucose the body absorbs from foods. Metformin also decreases the amount of glucose made by the liver. Insulin may be used together with metformin or other oral antidiabetics to lower high blood glucose levels in type-2 diabetics who are unable to control blood glucose levels using oral diabetes medications.
Metformin Administration
Metformin is available in form of regular and extended-release tablets and liquid. The liquid is taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. Metformin extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing to avoid releasing excess medication into the bloodstream. Patients with liver disease or heart conditions require dose adjustment and frequent check-ups while taking metformin.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help remove glucose from the blood and transport it into the cells. When the pancreas fails to produce adequate amounts of insulin, blood glucose levels rise and the cells also become starved, which leads to various symptoms and complications. Artificial insulin is usually used by type-1 diabetics because their pancreas do not produce insulin. There are four type of insulin that work for different lengths of time. The doctor determines which combination of insulin works best for the patient.
Insulin Administration
Rapid-acting insulin is the fastest working of all insulin's and once injected, it starts to work in about five minutes. Rapid-acting insulin should be taken right before meals. Short-acting insulin takes longer to work than rapid-acting insulin. Patients should take short-acting insulin 30 minutes before eating. Intermediate-acting insulin takes 30 minutes to one hour before it starts working, and keeps working for 10-16 hours. Long-lasting insulin starts working in two to four hours and can stay in the body for 24 hours. Long-lasting insulin is usually taken at bedtime. Common effects of all insulins is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels.
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