Key takeaways
Januvia (sitagliptin) and Glucotrol XL (glipizide) are both oral medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, while Glucotrol XL is a sulfonylurea. Januvia is typically taken once daily and works by increasing insulin levels in your body and reducing sugar production. Glucotrol XL is taken once or twice daily and works by stimulating your pancreas to release more insulin. Januvia does not typically cause significant weight changes, whereas Glucotrol XL can lead to weight gain. Common side effects of Januvia include a runny nose and sore throat, while Glucotrol XL may cause dizziness and diarrhea. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, especially when taken with other diabetes medications, but Glucotrol XL has a higher risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar levels.
