Glipizide is a drug used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by causing the body to release natural insulin. This can help you to stay on top of your blood sugar level, which helps to prevent nerve and kidney damage, blindness, and heart attacks. However, it also has some side effects. When taking glipizide, it is important to watch your portions and not skip meals. You may have more low blood sugar episodes if you skip a meal. If you take glipizide with your meals, you can reduce the chances of stomach upset, gas, and diarrhea.
It is possible to develop serious side effects if you take glipizide if you have kidney or liver problems. These conditions can interfere with the absorption of the medication. In addition, your kidneys may not be able to clear the medication from your body. For these reasons, you may need to have a blood test done to check your blood sugar before you start glipizide.
Low blood sugar, sometimes referred to as hypoglycemia, is caused when your body isn’t able to produce enough insulin. Some common symptoms of low blood sugar are blurred vision, sweating, confusion, tremors, and trouble speaking. Your doctor can give you a plan to avoid these symptoms.
If you are taking glipizide with another diabetes medication, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential interactions. A pharmacist can provide you with information on how to properly dispose of glipizide. They can also notify you of any drug interactions that you might have.
Glipizide may be prescribed to women who are pregnant. Women who are breastfeeding should tell their doctor. Taking glipizide with breast milk can increase the risk of developing an allergic reaction. To treat this reaction, your doctor may prescribe a different form of diabetes medicine.
Glipizide is not meant to be taken by people who are younger than 18. Depending on the dosage, it can cause serious side effects. Having a blood test can help to identify any underlying causes of low blood sugar.
Before you begin taking glipizide, you should let your doctor know if you have any allergies, heart or lung diseases, or kidney or liver problems. If you have an infection, you should also avoid glipizide. People with a deficiency in an enzyme can also have problems.
Before you start taking glipizide, it is a good idea to educate family members and friends about how to spot the early signs of low blood sugar. Keeping glucose tablets in the car can also help. Make sure you aren’t skipping meals, and call your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of low blood sugar.
Although glipizide is not habit-forming, it is important to take the dosage exactly as it is prescribed by your healthcare provider. Occasionally, the drug can build up in your body, so it is recommended that you take it at the same time each day.
