Glipizide and metformin are both excellent medications used to treat diabetes. Glipizide works to increase release of insulin from the pancreas, while metformin improves the sensitivity of the cells in the body to the effects of insulin. The difference between the medication of glipizide and glyburide is the absorption, initial dosage and half-life. They both can be taken orally but the former is built for extended release. They both can be taken orally but the former is built for extended release. What is the difference between metformin (Glucophage) vs. glipizide (Glucotrol)? Metformin and glipizide are oral medications that lower blood glucose and are used for treating type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovaries and weight gain due to medications used for treating psychoses. The main difference between the two medications is in how quickly they start working and how long they remain effective. The more common glipizide (brand name Glucotrol) peaks in 1-3 hours and generally lasts 12 hours in most people. Glyburide (brand names Micronase and DiaBeta) peaks later, usually in four hours, and stays active in the body for 24 hours. Interestingly, Glyburide has been. Glipizide is part of a group of diabetes medications called sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas help the pancreas make more insulin. They also help the cells respond better to insulin. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control. Description and Brand Names. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. US Brand Name. Metaglip; Descriptions. Glipizide and Metformin combination is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by a type of diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes called type 2 diabetes. Difference Between Glipizide And Metformin. Glipizide vs Metformin Glipizide and metformin, both these drugs are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Each Glipizide and Metformin hydrochloride tablet intended for oral administration contains glipizide, 2.5 mg or 5 mg and metformin hydrochloride, 250 mg or 500 mg. Glipizide vs Metformin. Glipizide and metformin, both these drugs are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. What are Glipizide and Metformin? Glipizide is an oral, rapid and short acting, anti-diabetic drug belonging to the class of medications called sulfonylureas. Common Questions and Answers about Difference between glipizide and metformin glucotrol I did find it interesting but if there is any connection between Metformin and Alzheimer's disease I doubt very much that it applies to short term use.