Glipizide and Metformin (Cont.)

Effects of Glipizide and Metformin

Several studies have looked at the effects of glipizide and metformin on type 2 diabetes, particularly with regards to hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood sugar.
 
Glipizide and Metformin and Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking glipizide and metformin lowered their HbA1c by up to 2.15 percent on average. In the same study, people taking glipizide or metformin alone did not decrease their HbA1c levels as much as people taking glipizide and metformin.
 
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as:
 
 
By getting blood sugar levels under control with glipizide and metformin, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these diabetes complications.
 
Glipizide and Metformin and Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of diabetes drugs. In studies, people taking glipizide and metformin decreased their fasting blood sugar levels by 56.5 mg/dL on average. People taking glipizide or metformin alone did not decrease their fasting blood sugar levels as much as people taking glipizide and metformin.
 

When and How to Take Glipizide and Metformin

General considerations for when and how to take glipizide and metformin include the following:
 
  • Glipizide and metformin comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once or twice daily with meals.
  • It is best to try to take glipizide and metformin with food in order to prevent stomach upset.
  • Glipizide and metformin should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Glipizide and metformin will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Glipizide and Metformin Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;