NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Glipizide

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Glipizide is a second-generation sulfonylurea used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It stimulates insulin release from functioning pancreatic beta cells and is typically used when diet, exercise, and metformin alone are insufficient to control blood glucose.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 1994–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Glipizide is a second-generation sulfonylurea used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 2.5–40 mg daily; immediate-release given 30 min before meals (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Lowers HbA1c by 1.0–2.0%
  • Rapid onset of glucose lowering8
  • Effective in early-stage type 2 diabetes with residual beta cell function6,9
  • Inexpensive and widely available
What to watch for
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Weight gain (2–5 kg typical)
  • Nausea
  • Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis6,8
  • Known hypersensitivity to glipizide or other sulfonamide derivatives1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: lowers hba1c by 1.0–2.0%, rapid onset of glucose lowering, effective in early-stage type 2 diabetes with residual beta cell function. 10 sources indexed (1994–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Binds to the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) on pancreatic beta cell ATP-sensitive potassium channels, causing channel closure and membrane depolarization. This triggers calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels, resulting in insulin granule exocytosis. The effect is glucose-independent, meaning insulin is released regardless of ambient glucose levels.

Class
Sulfonylurea
Absorption
Best on an empty stomach
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
2.5–40 mg daily; immediate-release given 30 min before meals (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Immediate-release or extended-release tablet

Immediate-release should be taken 30 minutes before meals for optimal postprandial glucose control. Extended-release taken with breakfast.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Weight gain (2–5 kg typical)
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Skin rash or photosensitivity

Contraindications

  • Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis6,8
  • Known hypersensitivity to glipizide or other sulfonamide derivatives1,2
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Severe renal impairment (increased hypoglycemia risk)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

1
  • 1Clinical pharmacokinetics of glipizide: a systematic reviewPMIDKhan H, Zamir A, Imran I et al. · Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology · 2025

    Khan H, Zamir A, Imran I et al.. Clinical pharmacokinetics of glipizide: a systematic review. Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology. 2025

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reviews & position papers

5

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Glipizide, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Glipizide?

Glipizide is a second-generation sulfonylurea used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It stimulates insulin release from functioning pancreatic beta cells and is typically used when diet, exercise, and metformin alone are insufficient to control blood glucose.

What is Glipizide used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Glipizide include: Lowers HbA1c by 1.0–2.0%; Rapid onset of glucose lowering; Effective in early-stage type 2 diabetes with residual beta cell function; Inexpensive and widely available. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Glipizide?

A typical adult dose of Glipizide is 2.5–40 mg daily; immediate-release given 30 min before meals (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Immediate-release or extended-release tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Glipizide?

Reported side effects include hypoglycemia, weight gain (2–5 kg typical), nausea, dizziness, headache, skin rash or photosensitivity. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Glipizide?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Glipizide in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.