Key takeaways
Glyburide (Glynase) and Pioglitazone (Actos) are medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some differences between them. Glyburide helps your pancreas release more insulin to lower blood sugar, while pioglitazone improves your body's ability to use insulin. Glyburide is typically taken once or twice daily with meals, unlike pioglitazone which is taken once daily, with or without food. Glyburide can cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip meals, and may lead to weight gain. Pioglitazone rarely causes dangerously low blood sugar on its own but can lead to fluid build-up, weight gain, and an increased risk of bladder cancer and bone fractures. Both medications are available in generic forms, however, pioglitazone may take several weeks to show its full effect on blood sugar levels, while glyburide works more quickly.
