Glyburide and Metformin
How Does Glyburide and Metformin Work?Glyburide and metformin is a combination of two diabetes medicines (glyburide and metformin). These two medications work differently and have different effects in the body:
- Glyburide is part of a class of diabetes drugs called sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea, such as glyburide, helps the pancreas make more insulin. It also helps the cells of the body respond better to insulin. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
- Metformin works in several ways. Metformin decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. It can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body (from the diet) and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, which helps the body respond better to its own insulin. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels.
Glyburide and metformin is not used for type 1 diabetes treatment.
Glyburide and Metformin EffectsThere have been several studies looking at the effects of glyburide and metformin for type 2 diabetes.
Glyburide and Metformin and Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent. People with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking glyburide and metformin lowered their HbA1c by up to 1.53 percent on average. In the same study, people taking glyburide or metformin alone did not decrease their HbA1c levels as much as people taking glyburide and metformin.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance of developing long-term problems related to diabetes. These problems include heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with glyburide and metformin, it may be possible to decrease the chances of developing these diabetes complications.