Janumet

Description

Metformin and sitagliptin combination is used to treat a type of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) called type 2 diabetes. Normally, after you eat, your pancreas releases insulin to help your body store excess sugar for later use. This process occurs during normal digestion of food. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not work properly to store the excess sugar and the sugar remains in your blood. Chronic high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems in the future. Proper diet is the first step in managing type 2 diabetes, but often medicines are needed to help your body. Metformin reduces the absorption of sugar, reduces the release of stored sugar from the liver, and helps your body's cells use sugar better. Sitagliptin helps to control blood sugar levels by increasing substances in the body that make the pancreas release more insulin. It also signals the liver to stop producing glucose when there is too much sugar in the blood.

Metformin and sitagliptin combination does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes, because they cannot produce insulin from their pancreas. Their blood glucose is best controlled by insulin injections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Common Brand Names:

Janumet