My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

Glipizide vs Metformin as a medication for type 2 diabetes?

I understand that Glipizide stimulates the production of more insulin by the pancreas in order to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes; that metformin helps to decrease insulin resistance helping the body to absorb the sugar taking it out of the blood faster.  Which is better?  Will the pancreas eventually stop production of insulin from constant over stimulation by taking Glipizide daily?  Is there a down side to Metformin also?

Related Topics: Type 2 Diabetes, Pancreas, Blood Sugar, Insulin, Insulin Resistance
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Brunilda Nazario, MDBrunilda Nazario, MDSUCCESS!
Brunilda Nazario, MD
Internal Medicine
WebMD
62 Answers
625 Helpful Votes
17 Followers
A.

There's no simple answer to your question, however, the absolute best option for anyone with type 2 diabetes is exercise and weight management.

 

Here's a short synopsis: by the time you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes around 50% of your beta cells are lost [ and your body's resistance to the action of insulin has been longstanding].

 

The decline in beta cell function is predictable. It's an absolute fact that treatment of type 2 diabetes with one drug alone won't work to control blood sugars. The decline continues regardless of therapy with metformin or sulfonylureas drugs like XYZ. However, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise seem to slow the loss of beta cell function by improving insulin sensitivity. Other drugs may also stabilize beta cells.

 

After we eat, insulin works primarily on muscles. Muscles are also the primary site of insulin resistant.  By engaging in routine physical activity we use muscles which uses sugar as a source of energy.  We also burn excess fat. Together these actions result in less insulin resistant, improved insulin function, and fitness.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

11 of 17 found this helpful
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

Are there medications that can help to prevent type 2 diabetes? Next Question