Glumetza (metformin extended release) If you have type 2 diabetes mellitus, your doctor may have prescribed Glumetza. In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, their bodies are less sensitive to the insulin made by their pancreas. Insulin is responsible for moving glucose into cells and providing them with energy. When insulin isn't working, the cells don't get the energy they need. Also, extra glucose in the blood damages blood vessels. Glumetza works by making cells more sensitive to the insulin already there. Fact Table Formula C4H11N5 License US FDA, EU EMA Bioavailability 50–60% Legal status Rx-only Chemical Name Metformin Elimination half-life 4–8.7 hours Dosage (Strength) 500mg, 1000mg Pregnancy No Known Risk Brands Glucophage, Glumetza Protein binding Minimal PubChem CID 4091 MedlinePlus a696005 ChEBI 6801 ATC code A10BA02 DrugBank DB00331 KEGG D04966 Routes of administration By mouth