Glibenclamide and Glipizide in Maturity Onset Diabetes

Abstract
The effects of glibenclamide and glipizide on the concentrations of S‐glucose, S‐insulin and S‐lipids and on the 24‐hour urinary glucose excretion were studied in 37 patients with maturity onset diabetes. A double‐blind, cross‐over, double‐dummy technique was used. The fasting S‐insulin concentration was higher during glibenclamide therapy, while the increase in insulin concentration one hour postprandially was stronger during glipizide therapy, supporting the concept that glibenclamide has a more prolonged and glipizide a more fast‐acting effect on insulin secretion. The S‐glucose concentration was lower in the fasting state as well as one hour postprandially during glibenclamide therapy which, together with a lower 24‐hour urinary glucose excretion, indicates that glibenclamide has a stronger blood glucose‐lowering effect. Although statistically significant, the differences were marginal from a clinical point of view. The lipid levels remained unchanged.