Diabetes is a disease that affects both adults and children worldwide. This condition, also known as diabetes mellitus, causes an irregular rise in blood sugar levels in the body.
The insulin hormone transports sugar from your bloodstream to the cells. However, when a patient has diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Consistently high sugar levels can cause heart attacks, strokes, and nerve or liver damage. That is why doctors use insulin aspart solutions such as Novolog to treat the disease. This drug maintains blood glucose levels in a healthy range. Similarly, Levemir is a long-acting insulin alternative.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both Levemir and Novolog to see how they compare and contrast.
What Is Insulin Aspart and Insulin Detemir?
Novolog and other insulin aspart solutions are human-made insulin solutions for diabetic patients. When the body cannot produce enough insulin to transport blood to other tissues, it must be provided exogenously.
Insulin aspart solutions do so by replacing the body’s insulin and transporting sugar to body tissues. Moreover, they keep blood sugar levels from rising too high. All you have to do is administer the insulin aspart into your bloodstream. In addition to these medications, a long-acting insulin or insulin detemir is given to keep blood glucose levels under control. Unfortunately, some excess sugar is also stored in the muscles and fat and can, therefore, be harder to regulate.
Levemir vs. Novolog: What Are The Differences?
In adults and children, both Levemir and Novolog effectively manage Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. First, however, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of both drugs to see if they vary.
Novolog – An Overview
As mentioned earlier, Novolog is well-known for treating diabetes in both adults and children. It is a fast-acting insulin aspart substance that helps keep blood sugar levels in order. This synthetic insulin has a chemical structure similar to that of the insulin released by your body, except that Aspartic Acid replaces proline.
● How Does It Work?
You can take Novolog 5 to 10 minutes before your meal to allow it to work its magic. The medication begins to take effect within 15 minutes and peaks after an hour when it has treated the individual’s blood sugar levels.
The effects of the medication last from 2 to 4 hours. However, it is most effective for the first 1-3 hours after you take it. Novolog may be injected directly under the skin or into the veins. If you cannot do it yourself, see a doctor or nurse to get it administered correctly.
Levemir – An Overview
Levemir, also known as insulin detemir, is a long-acting prescription medicine that mimics natural insulin. This insulin aspart solution, like Novolog, is used by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics to lower blood sugar levels.
This insulin detemir is also available as an injectable under the name Levemir FlexTouch.
● How Does It Work?
When a doctor injects Levemir into your bloodstream, it helps your body’s glucose reach your muscle cells to be used as energy. It is commonly used in conjunction with a Metformin prescription, but you may also use it on its own.
Patients with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that is unable to produce enough insulin. Levemir is an insulin analog that replaces the body’s natural insulin as needed by the patient.
In Type 2 diabetes, the body cells do not respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to use its natural insulin. Levemir takes control of such situations and regulates the insulin level.
Dosage And Administration
● Levemir
You can take Levemir once or twice a day by injecting it under the skin. Keep in mind that if you take it subcutaneously, it will start working to regulate the blood glucose levels within a few hours. However, the drug continues to function inside the body for almost 24 hours.
● Novolog
You should have your meals 5 to 10 minutes after taking Novolog since it affects blood sugar levels more rapidly. Moreover, your doctor may recommend that you take Novolog and Levemir together. In that case, make sure to inject them one at a time. Still, you should always be mindful of the type and strength of the insulin you are using, and do not make any changes without your physician’s advice. Following these directions will help you avoid the majority of potential problems.
Drug Interactions
Some drugs may interact with Levemir and reduce its glucose-lowering effect. If you are using any of the following medicines, you must inform your doctor. Levemir is known to interact with the following drugs:
- Reserpine
- Albuterol
- Guanethidine
- Clonidine
- Pramlintide acetate
- Monoamine oxidase
- Fibrates
- Disopyramide
- Fluoxetine
- Pentoxifylline
- Salicylates
- Sulfonamide antibiotics
On the other hand, Novolog can react with the following drugs:
- Beta-blockers
- Reserpine
- Guanethidine
- Albuterol
- Clonidine
In addition to these, Novolog can interact with minerals, vitamins, and prescription drugs. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking before using Novolog.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Levemir are:
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Headache
- Stomach and back pain
- Sore throat
- Running nose
- Swelling of feet and hands
- Weight gain
- Weakness
- Muscle cramps
Some of the side effects associated with Novolog are:
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Concentration issues
If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
The great thing about insulin drugs is that you can adjust their dosage according to your needs and lifestyle. However, make sure to consult your doctor before making any changes.
Since Novolog is more expensive than Levemir, you must talk to a health professional to determine which drug is more suitable for you. This way, you can save money and still improve your health. Along with that, always discuss the medications and related health issues you have with your doctor.
