Key takeaways
Toujeo (insulin glargine) and Glucotrol XL (glipizide) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have some key differences. Toujeo is a long-acting insulin used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and it's injected once daily under the skin. It helps your body absorb sugar from the bloodstream and store it for energy. On the other hand, Glucotrol XL is a sulfonylurea taken orally, typically once or twice daily, and is only used for Type 2 diabetes. It works by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. Toujeo is available only as a brand-name medication, while Glucotrol XL is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but Glucotrol XL must be taken with meals to prevent this, whereas Toujeo maintains a baseline insulin level throughout the day. Additionally, Toujeo can cause weight gain and requires careful storage, while Glucotrol XL can cause dizziness and has a risk of heart problems.
