Key takeaways
Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) are both used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Glipizide helps lower blood sugar by prompting your pancreas to release more insulin. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the extended-release version taken once daily. On the other hand, Janumet combines two medications: sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin helps insulin stay in your body longer, while metformin reduces the amount of sugar your liver releases and helps your body respond better to insulin. Janumet is taken either twice daily in its immediate-release form or once daily in its extended-release form. While glipizide can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, Janumet is less likely to cause these issues but carries risks like lactic acidosis and kidney problems. Additionally, glipizide is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Janumet is not yet available in a generic form.
