Key takeaways
Glipizide/metformin (Metaglip) and saxagliptin (Onglyza) are both used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they a few differences between them. Glipizide/metformin is a combination of two medications: glipizide, which helps your pancreas release insulin, and metformin, which lowers the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs. It's best take it with meals to avoid low blood sugar. Saxagliptin helps insulin stay in your body longer by blocking a protein that breaks it down. You can take it once daily, with or without food. While glipizide/metformin can cause side effects like diarrhea and low blood sugar, saxagliptin is less likely to cause low blood sugar but may increase your risk of heart failure and pancreatitis. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.
