Key takeaways
Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and Pioglitazone (Actos) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but both medications have several differences between them. Glipizide helps lower blood sugar by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms and must be taken with meals to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels. On the other hand, pioglitazone helps improve your body's ability to use insulin and can be taken with or without food. While glipizide can cause weight gain and low blood sugar, pioglitazone may take several weeks to show its full effect and carries risks like fluid build-up, heart failure, and bladder cancer. Additionally, pioglitazone is known to improve "good" cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides, whereas glipizide does not have this benefit. Both medications can be taken together if needed, but each has its own set of side effects and risks that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.
