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 is an oral glucose-lowering drug in a class of medications for diabetes called sulfonylureas.

Glipizide lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin and helping the body use insulin efficiently. The pancreas must be capable of producing insulin for Glipizide to work. Insulin is a hormone which lowers the blood sugar level.

Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes has type II or non- insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Type

In general, to achieve the best control over blood sugar levels, Glipizide should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. However, the exact Glipizide dosing schedule as well as the dosage amount must be determined by your physician.

Glipizide XL 5 mg should be taken with breakfast. Swallow the Glipizide XL 5 mg tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or divide them. Do not be alarmed if you notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool--it will be the empty shell that has been eliminated.

It is essential that you closely follow your physician dietary guidelines and that you inform your physician of any medication, either prescription or nonprescription, that you are taking. Specific medications that affect Glipizide include:

• Airway-opening drugs such as Sudafed
• Antacids such as Mylanta
• Aspirin
• Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone)
• Diuretics such as HydroDIURIL
• Estrogens
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Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding:
The effects of Glipizide during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Therefore, if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you should take Glipizide only on the advice of your physician. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy, your physician may prescribe insulin during pregnancy. To minimize the risk of low blood sugar in newborn babies, Glipizide,

Side effects of Glipizide are rare and seldom require discontinuation of the medication.

More common side effects may include:
Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache, hives, itching, low blood sugar, nervousness, sensitivity to light, skin rash and eruptions, stomach pain, tremor.

Less common or rare side effects may include:
Anemia and other blood disorders, yellow eyes and skin.

Glipizide and Glipizide XL 5 mg, like all oral