People with diabetes are not able to make enough insulin and/or respond normally to the insulin their body does make. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems including kidney damage, amputations, and blindness. Diabetes is also closely linked to heart disease. The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level.

Q3. Why is it important to control type 2 diabetes?

The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level. Studies have shown that good control of blood sugar may prevent or delay complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, or blindness.

Q4. How is type 2 diabetes usually controlled?

High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, by a number of oral medications, and by insulin injections. Before taking Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets you should first try to control your diabetes by exercise and weight loss. Even if you are taking Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets, you should still exercise and follow the diet recommended for your diabetes.

Q5. Does Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets work differently from other glucosecontrol medications?

Yes it does. Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets combines two glucose-lowering drugs, glipizide and metformin. These two drugs work together to improve the different metabolic defects found in type 2 diabetes. Glipizide lowers blood sugar primarily by causing more of the body’s own insulin to be released, and metformin lowers blood sugar, in part, by helping your body use your own insulin more effectively. Together, they are efficient in helping you achieve better glucose control.

Q6. What happens if my blood sugar is still too high?

When blood sugar cannot be lowered enough by Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets, your doctor may prescribe injectable insulin or take other measures to control your diabetes.

Q7. Can Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets cause side effects?

Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets, like all blood sugar-lowering medications, can cause side effects in some patients. Most of these side effects are minor. However, there are also serious, but rare, side effects related to Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets (see Question Nos. 9-13).

Q8. What are the most common side effects of Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets?

The most common side effects of Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets are normally minor ones such as diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach. If these side effects occur, they usually occur during the first few weeks of therapy. Taking your Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets with meals can help reduce these side effects. Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as lightheadedness, dizziness, shakiness, or hunger may occur. The risk of hypoglycemic symptoms increases when meals are skipped, too much alcohol is consumed, or heavy exercise occurs without enough food. Following the advice of your doctor can help you to avoid these symptoms.

Q9. Are there any serious side effects that Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets can cause?

People who have a condition known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and who take Glipizide and Metformin HCl Tablets may develop hemolytic anemia (fast breakdown of red blood cells). G6PD deficiency usually runs in families. Tell your doctor if you or any members of your family have been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency before you start taking Glipizide