Glipizide
GlucotrolPubChem CID 3478 · 3D model
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Tells the pancreas to release more insulin after meals, which helps pull sugar out of the bloodstream.
How it works
Glipizide works mainly by prompting the pancreas to release insulin, but only if the pancreas still has working insulin-producing cells. It acts fast, kicking in within about 30 minutes of a dose, especially around mealtimes when blood sugar rises. Even after the drug level in the blood starts dropping off, its blood-sugar-lowering effect can last up to a full day, hinting that it may also help the body's tissues respond better to insulin, not just make more of it.
What it’s used for
Used alongside a healthy diet and exercise to help adults with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar under control. It is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous blood-sugar emergency.
- Mechanism
- Sulfonylurea, stimulates pancreatic insulin release
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Metabolic / Diabetes