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Glucovance - Patient Info

[Glyburide/Metformin]

PATIENT INFORMATION

(Glyburide and Metformin HCl Tablets)

Q1. Why do I need to take GLUCOVANCE?

Your doctor has prescribed GLUCOVANCE to treat your type 2 diabetes. This is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Q2. What is type 2 diabetes?

People with diabetes are not able to make enough insulin and/ or respond normally to the insulin their body does make. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems including kidney damage, amputations, and blindness. Diabetes is also closely linked to heart disease. The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level.

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Q3. Why is it important to control type 2 diabetes?

The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level. Studies have shown that good control of blood sugar may prevent or

delay complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, or blindness.

Q4. How is type 2 diabetes usually controlled?

High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, by a number of oral medications, and by insulin injections. Before taking GLUCOVANCE you

should first try to control your diabetes by exercise and weight loss. Even if you are taking GLUCOVANCE, you should still exercise and follow the diet recommended for your diabetes.

Q5. Does GLUCOVANCE work differently from other glucose-control medications?

Yes it does. GLUCOVANCE combines two glucose lowering drugs, glyburide and metformin. These two drugs work together to improve the different metabolic defects found in type 2 diabetes. Glyburide lowers blood sugar primarily by causing more of the body's own insulin to be released, and metformin lowers blood sugar, in part, by helping your body use your own insulin more effectively. Together, they are efficient in helping you achieve better glucose control.

Q6. What happens if my blood sugar is still too high?

When blood sugar cannot be lowered enough by GLUCOVANCE your doctor may prescribe injectable insulin or take other measures to control your diabetes.