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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Insulin Be Taken Together With Metformin For Diabetes?

My husband is diabetic and he s on metformin and glipizide or something like that. He went to see someone about his diabetes today and they said he needs to take insulin to get his A1C down. His sugars are usually in the 200 range but we just checked is and he s around 470. They didn t tell him if he should back off on the metformin. Is this related? If he just took his insulin in addition to the metformin shouldn t his sugars be low?
Wed, 7 Sep 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, he can take oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) (metformin and glipizide) and insulin together.
No harm in taking both of them together.
And for his sugar level of 470, it is better to take both (OHA and insulin) together.
Along with OHA and insulin, he should also follow these for better glycemic control.
1. Avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
2. Quit smoking and alcohol if he has these habits.
3. Strict dieting after consulting dietician.
4. Regular aerobic exercise like running, cycling, swimming etc.
Don't worry, with all these his sugar levels will be controlled.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.
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Can Insulin Be Taken Together With Metformin For Diabetes?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, he can take oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) (metformin and glipizide) and insulin together. No harm in taking both of them together. And for his sugar level of 470, it is better to take both (OHA and insulin) together. Along with OHA and insulin, he should also follow these for better glycemic control. 1. Avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. 2. Quit smoking and alcohol if he has these habits. 3. Strict dieting after consulting dietician. 4. Regular aerobic exercise like running, cycling, swimming etc. Don t worry, with all these his sugar levels will be controlled. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.