Compare metformin vs. Human Insulin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood sugar.
Glucophage (metformin) is the first choice medicine to control your blood sugar and lower the risk of death from diabetes, although a few people may not tolerate the stomach side effects.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 938 reviewsformetformin
Lowers blood sugar.
This form of insulin is one of the few medications in its class that you can get without a prescription, but it's expensive.
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 57 reviewsforHuman Insulin
Upsides
- Improves sugar control and lowers A1c levels as much as 2%.
- One of the few diabetes medicines that lowers the risk of death from diabetes-related complications.
- Doesn't cause weight gain.
- Rarely causes low blood sugar.
- Some types of this medication are available without a prescription.
- Available as a shot to be injected into the fatty part of the skin, and as a powder to be inhaled through your nose.
- Available in different combinations so that you can do one shot or multiple shots a day.
Downsides
- Often causes stomach upset, like diarrhea, nausea, gas, or stomach cramping.
- Usually not a good choice for people with kidney problems. Your doctor will tell you if Glucophage (metformin) is right for you to take.
- Excessive or chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of a dangerous side effect.
- Has to be taken exactly as directed or it can cause high or low blood sugar.
- As with all insulins, you have to work with your doctor closely to make sure you're giving yourself the correct dose, or you can have low or high blood sugar.
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes prevention
- Diabetes from pregnancy
- Obesity with high insulin
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Injection
- Inhaler
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$27.00
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Glucophage (metformin)?
Leave a review57 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Humulin (Human Insulin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
7possible side effects
- Diarrhea53%
- Nausea/vomiting26%
- Gas12%
- Weakness9%
- Indigestion7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Headache6%
The Humulin (Human Insulin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Excess lactic acid in the blood
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Congestive heart failure
- Using contrast dye for procedures
- Surgery
- Alcohol use
- Low vitamin B12 levels
- Changes in blood sugar
- Changes in skin appearance
- Weight gain