Hi, Both my parents have diabetes. Mom takes Gluconorm G2 (Metformin+ Glimepiride) Dad takes Volibo M0. 2 (Metformin+ Voglibose) Both have a 500 mg+0.2 mg combination. What's the difference between them? Are they interchangeable?

Dr. Prabhakar Laxman JatharEndocrinologist46yrs exp

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Mr. lybrate-user, Thanks for your query. The drugs mentioned Glimepiride and Voglibose are different in their action. Metformin is supposed to reduce or delay glucose absorption and hence slows down blood glucose rise after taking food. Plus it also reduces insulin resistance hence helps blood glucose control. There are other beneficial effects like helps slight weight reduction. Glimepiride is a sulphonylurea compound, it stimulates insulin secretion by the beta cells of pancreas, thus increases insulin availability and controls blood glucose level. Its action is very powerful. At times it can cause low blood glucose level also. Voglibose is called a alpha glucosidase inhibitor, reducing conversion of disaccharrides (sucrose) to glucose. It is a milder drug. Therefore, these are interchangeable drugs. However, what is most important is that blood glucose should be well controlled with fasting glucose closer to 100 mg, PP 160 to 170 mg & HbA1c%<7. Then only all the long term complications of diabetes can be either delayed or prevented. Thanks, 

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