Take Glipizide before meals or exactly as instructed by your doctor. There is evidence stating that Glipizide works best at controlling post meal high blood sugar levels when taken 30 minutes before breakfast. So, if you are supposed to take it once daily, take it in the morning before breakfast with a glass of water.

No, Glipizide is not the same as metformin. Although both these oral medicines are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the way they work to reduce the sugar levels are different. While Glipizide acts by increasing the secretion of insulin by the pancreas, metformin acts by improving the functioning and effectiveness of the insulin already available in the body.

No, Glipizide is not harmful if your kidney function is normal. Any previous case of kidney problem should be informed to the doctor, so that the use of Glipizide can be assessed. This is done in order to analyze whether Glipizide can be given or not because it is principally excreted by the kidney. If you have kidney problems you will be started at a lower dose.

Glipizide itself does not cause sleepiness. However, it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other anti-diabetes medicine. Because of this you may feel sleepy or have problems in sleeping.

Glipizide, when used with insulin, can help to control high blood sugar levels. Taking them together can help to lower the dose of insulin but there could also be an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Dose of these medicines may need to be adjusted along with regular blood sugar level monitoring.

Yes, Glipizide can cause weight gain. It is advisable to closely monitor your diet and do regular exercise while taking this medicine. Avoid skipping your meal as it can cause very low blood sugar levels and you may end up snacking or taking a lot of sugars.

No, Glipizide is not a Thiazolidinedione, it is a sulfonylurea. However, both are antidiabetic medicines but belong to a different group of medicines.

Glipizide should be avoided by patients who are allergic to it, have severe kidney or liver disease, have G6PD-deficiency (an inherited condition affecting red blood cells), or are due to have surgery. Along with that, patients who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, or have insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus) should also avoid taking Glipizide.

Overdose of Glipizide may significantly decrease your blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). If you have taken an excess dose then you should instantly consume enough sugar (e.g., a small bar of sugar cubes, sweet juice or sweetened tea) and inform a doctor immediately. Severe cases of hypoglycemia accompanied by loss of consciousness and coma are cases of medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

No, Glipizide should not be skipped, as it can make your diabetes worse. If, you miss the dose by mistake, take it as soon as you remember.