{"id":3592,"date":"2019-01-14T18:40:54","date_gmt":"2019-01-14T23:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3592"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:05:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T20:05:02","slug":"glipizide-vs-metformin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/glipizide-vs-metformin\/","title":{"rendered":"Glipizide vs. metformin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

Glipizide and metformin are two medications that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus. People with Type 2 diabetes have a problem with the hormone insulin, which is responsible for moving blood sugar (glucose) into the body\u2019s cells for energy. When insulin doesn\u2019t work as well, insulin resistance can develop and lead to increased glucose levels, which can then lead to other health problems. Glipizide and metformin can help manage high glucose levels to reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.<\/p>\n

Compared to newer agents, glipizide and metformin are relatively inexpensive antidiabetic medications<\/a>. They are both used for the long-term management of Type 2 diabetes. Even though they have similarities in overall effects, glipizide and metformin have several differences, especially in how they work, potential side effects, and drug interactions.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between glipizide and metformin?<\/h2>\n

Glipizide<\/h3>\n

Glipizide<\/a> is the generic name for Glucotrol. It is part of a class of medications called sulfonylureas, and it works by stimulating the secretion of insulin<\/a> from the pancreas. The increase in insulin helps lower blood glucose levels in the body.<\/p>\n

Glipizide is available as a 5 mg or 10 mg oral tablet. Generic glipizide also comes in extended-release tablets<\/a> in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. Glipizide is usually taken once daily before breakfast.<\/p>\n

Metformin<\/h3>\n

Metformin<\/a> is the generic name for Glucophage or Riomet, and it belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin works to treat Type 2 diabetes by decreasing glucose production<\/a> in the liver and decreasing the absorption of glucose in the intestines. It also works by increasing insulin sensitivity and increasing the uptake of glucose in the body\u2019s tissues.<\/p>\n

Metformin is available as an oral tablet in strengths of 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg. Extended-release metformin tablets<\/a> are also available and designed to be taken once daily. Immediate-release metformin is often prescribed to be taken twice daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between glipizide and metformin<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nGlipizide<\/strong><\/td>\nMetformin<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nSulfonylurea<\/td>\nBiguanide<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/strong><\/td>\nGlucotrol<\/td>\nGlucophage
\nRiomet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/td>\nOral tablet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\n5 mg once daily before breakfast. Dosage may be adjusted according to response and medical condition. Maximum dose of 40 mg per day.<\/td>\n500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily with meals. Dosage may be adjusted according to response and medical condition. Maximum dose of 2,550 mg per day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nLong-term for diabetes management<\/td>\nLong-term for diabetes management<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults aged 18 years and older<\/td>\nAdults and children aged 10 years and older\u00a0<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by glipizide and metformin<\/h2>\n

Glipizide and metformin are both FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Controlling high blood sugar levels can help decrease the risk of complications from diabetes. These complications may include heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, eye damage, and foot infections.<\/p>\n

Metformin is sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions, such as gestational diabetes, or diabetes during pregnancy, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)<\/a>. Metformin is also used off-label to treat weight gain that\u2019s caused as a side effect of certain antipsychotic medications.<\/p>\n

No significant studies have been conducted on the off-label uses of glipizide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nGlipizide<\/strong><\/td>\nMetformin<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type 2 diabetes mellitus<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gestational diabetes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polycystic ovary syndrome<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight gain due to antipsychotic therapy<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is glipizide or metformin more effective?<\/h2>\n

Glipizide and metformin are both effective diabetes medications to improve glycemic control in people with Type 2 diabetes. They can be used as monotherapy or as a combination pill called Metaglip. Glipizide and metformin work best when used with a proper diet and exercise regimen.<\/p>\n

Metformin remains the first-line therapy for Type 2 diabetes, according to guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA)<\/a>. When compared for effectiveness in those with Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, metformin reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke more than glipizide. According to a double-blind, clinical trial, metformin showed a greater cardioprotective effect<\/a> than glipizide after a period of five years.<\/p>\n

Another comparative trial<\/a> found that metformin provided better blood sugar control than glipizide. Those taking metformin in the study had better fasting plasma glucose levels than glipizide after 24, 36, and 52 weeks. Those taking metformin also had a lower HbA1c level<\/a> than those taking glipizide after 52 weeks. Metformin caused weight loss and glipizide caused weight gain in treated participants.<\/p>\n

Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice on the best treatment for you if you have Type 2 diabetes. Depending on your overall medical condition, blood sugar levels<\/a>, and other medications you may be taking, one drug may be preferred over the other.<\/p>\n

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Want the best price on Glipizide?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Glipizide price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of glipizide vs. metformin<\/h2>\n

Glipizide is a generic antidiabetic medication that is usually covered by Medicare and insurance plans. For a standard supply of glipizide, the copay can range from $0 to $9. The average retail price of glipizide can be around $46 for 180, 10 mg tablets. A <\/span>SingleCare glipizide coupon<\/span><\/a> can help lower the cost to $17 at participating pharmacies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metformin is a commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug that is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. The typical Medicare copay can range from $0 to $8, and the retail price can be around $143 for 180, 1,000 mg tablets, depending on the pharmacy you go to. A <\/span>metformin coupon<\/span><\/a> from SingleCare may reduce the price to as low as $10. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Glipizide vs. metformin cost and coverage\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nGlipizide<\/b><\/td>\nMetformin\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\n5 mg once daily\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n500 mg twice daily\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$17<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$10<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of <\/span><\/i>Jan. 23, 2026. <\/span><\/i>The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Common side effects of glipizide vs. metformin<\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of glipizide include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia<\/a>), constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness.<\/p>\n

The most common side effects of metformin include diarrhea, nausea, weakness (asthenia), hypoglycemia, and headache.<\/p>\n

Serious side effects of glipizide include severe hypoglycemia and hemolytic anemia. Serious side effects of metformin include lactic acidosis<\/a> and vitamin B12 deficiency. Consult a healthcare provider for other potential side effects of glipizide or metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nGlipizide<\/strong><\/td>\nMetformin<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hypoglycemia<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n*<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n1%\u20135%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n*<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n*<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n53%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n*<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n26%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n*<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weakness<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n*<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*not reported
\nFrequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.<\/em>
\nSource: DailyMed (Glipizide<\/a>), DailyMed (Metformin<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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