Drug Class: What is Glipizide XL and why is it prescribed?

Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. In diabetics either the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin that is produced no longer works properly.

There are actually two forms of diabetes: type 1 insulin-dependent and type 2 non-insulin-dependent. Type 1 usually requires insulin injections for life, while type 2 diabetes can usually be treated by dietary changes and/or oral antidiabetic medications such as Glipizide.

Apparently, Glipizide controls diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Occasionally, type 2 diabetics must take insulin injections on a temporary basis, especially during stressful periods or times of illness.

Glipizide is not used to treat Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly juvenile-onset).