Key takeaways
Glipizide/metformin (Metaglip) and Lantus (insulin glargine) are both used to manage diabetes, but have a few differences between them. Glipizide/metformin is a combination medication that includes a glipizide and metformin. It helps lower blood sugar by telling your pancreas to release insulin and by reducing the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs. Lantus, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin that you inject under the skin once daily. It helps your body absorb and store sugar from the bloodstream and stops your liver from making glucose. While glipizide/metformin must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar, Lantus is usually injected once daily and provides a steady release of insulin over 24 hours. Glipizide/metformin is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Lantus is available as a brand-name medication and in prefilled pens. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but Lantus can also increase your risk of serious infections.
