Ms Lee is diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. The PCP starts her on Metformin 500mg and Glipizide 5mg orally each day at breakfast and Atorvastin 20mg orally at bedtime. She is referred to the dietian for instruction on starting a 1200-calorie diet using an exchange system. You are providing education regarding pharmacotherapy and exercise.

What is the rational for starting her on Metformin, Glucotrol, and Atorvastatin?

To treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by a type of diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes called type 2 diabetes.

Explanation:

Metformin and Glipizide combination is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by a type of diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes called type 2 diabetes. Normally, after having a meal, the pancreas releases insulin to help the body store excess sugar for later use. This process occurs during normal digestion of food. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not work properly to store the excess sugar and the sugar remains in the bloodstream. 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 the body. With two actions, the combination of glipizide and metformin helps your body cope with high blood sugar. Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, directing the body to store blood sugar.

Metformin has three different actions:

i. It slows the absorption of sugar in the small intestine.

ii. It also stops the liver from converting stored sugar into blood sugar.

iii. It helps the body use the natural insulin more efficiently.

Metformin, itself improves glucose metabolism of statin-treated patients with impaired fasting glucose. Therefore, the addition of metformin to atorvastatin therapy may counteract the adverse effect of atorvastatin on glucose metabolism.