That means taking more than one diabetes drug at once.
In fact, these two diabetes medications work very differently even while providing similar benefits.
Experts say they work better when taken together.
Heres what you better know.
Metformin vs. GLP-1s: How Do They Work?
Metformin works mostly by telling your liver to produce less sugar, says King.
GLP-1s reduce liver glucose production, too.
While many of the benefits do overlap, each class of drugs offers different benefits.
All these effects can help with a small amount of weight loss.
There are so many benefits of metformin.
But Wenz says researchers are still learning about less-obvious benefits of metformin.
In research, we also see positive changes in the gut microbiome in people taking metformin, says Wenz.
We know metformin changes how you absorb macronutrients, particularly carbohydrates, but possibly fats and proteins, too.
Theres still so much we dont know about the potential benefits of metformin, says Wenz.
King points to past research that also suggestsmetformin can improve LDL cholesterol levels.
Other benefits of metformin include that it is safe, adds King.
Benefits of GLP-1s
GLP-1 drugs are almost certainly the most effective weight loss medications ever developed.
GLP-1s like Ozempic have cardiovascular and kidney benefits as well, explains King.
Research shows it can protect patients with heart disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease.
But it can also reduce your risk of these conditions if youre high-risk, including people with diabetes.
Wenz encourages her patients to take both if they can access and tolerate both.
Patients definitely get an additive benefit when taking metformin and Ozempic in combination, says King.
We work on a case-by-case basis to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects, says King.
In some cases, patients do discontinue taking either medication.
Thankfully, there are so many different options for diabetes medications.
Many patients appreciate the low cost of metformin and the fact that it is taken orally versus an injection.
By contrast, metformin is very affordable and easy to get insurance coverage for, too.
Some insurance companies may actually require you to take metformin before youre eligible for a GLP-1.
She lives in Vermont with a handsome husband, two daughters, and a loyal dog named Pedro.
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