Glipizide
- Class: Sulfonylurea
- Used for: type 2 diabetes
- Say it: GLIP-ih-zide
- Forms: tablet
Mnemonic: Sulfonylureas squeeze the pancreas
A sulfonylurea forces insulin out whether or not a meal has arrived. That one fact explains its power and its danger: it is the oral diabetes drug that causes hypos.
A sulfonylurea forces insulin out whether or not a meal has arrived. That one fact explains its power and its danger: it is the oral diabetes drug that causes hypos.
Suffix GLI- / GLY-: A GLI- or GLY- name SQUEEZES insulin out — hungry or not.
These close the beta cell's potassium channel directly, releasing insulin whatever the blood sugar is doing. Glucose-independent is the phrase to hold on to: it is exactly why this class causes hypoglycaemia and weight gain, and why metformin does not. All drug suffixes ›
These close the beta cell's potassium channel directly, releasing insulin whatever the blood sugar is doing. Glucose-independent is the phrase to hold on to: it is exactly why this class causes hypoglycaemia and weight gain, and why metformin does not. All drug suffixes ›
Side effects
Common: hypoglycemia, weight gain, nausea
Serious: severe hypoglycemia
Typical dose
5–20 mg daily
Take 30 minutes before a meal so the insulin peak matches the food.
Check yourself
Which oral diabetes drug most often causes hypoglycaemia?
- Glipizide, a sulfonylurea
- Metformin
- Sitagliptin
- All of them carry the same risk
Show answer
A. Glipizide, a sulfonylurea
Only the sulfonylurea releases insulin independently of the glucose level. Metformin works on the liver, and sitagliptin only amplifies a signal that appears after a meal.
See it, don't memorize it
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