Key takeaways
Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and Glyburide/Metformin (Glucovance) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but there are several differences between the two medications. 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, glyburide/metformin is a combination of two medications: glyburide and metformin. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, while metformin lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes and helps your body respond better to insulin. This combination can also cause low blood sugar and should be taken with meals to prevent stomach upset. While both medications can cause low blood sugar, glyburide/metformin has a higher risk of causing lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition. Additionally, glipizide can cause weight gain, whereas glyburide/metformin can lead to low vitamin B12 levels. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.
