Istamet XR Tablet contains two active ingredients:
- Sitagliptin (100 mg): As a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, sitagliptin increases the levels of certain substances in your body called incretins. These incretins help increase insulin synthesis and release from your pancreas when there is glucose in your blood. They also decrease glucagon secretion, which contributes to lowering blood sugar levels.
- Metformin (1000 mg): This component works by reducing glucose production in the liver. It also decreases the intestinal absorption of glucose and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing how much glucose is taken up and used by your body’s cells. As a result, metformin helps lower blood sugar levels without causing hypoglycemic episodes (dangerously low blood sugar).
The extended-release formulation of metformin allows for slower absorption of the medicine into your body and extends the duration of its action, providing a steady control of blood sugar levels throughout the day.