Extrapancreatic effects of a sulphonylurea. Decrease in xylose absorption by glipizide in type II diabetics.

The effects of glipizide on the absorption of glucose and d-xylose were studied in six type II diabetics on diet treatment alone. Glipizide was given intravenously (12 micrograms/kg at 0 min) or orally (5 mg at -30 min). Oral glucose (15 g) and xylose (25 g) loads were given at zero time. Glipizide stimulated insulin secretion and reduced glucose and xylose levels significantly with both routes of administration. The suppression of xylose levels lasted longer after oral than after intravenous administration of the drug. It is suggested that part of the influence of glipizide on postprandial glucose levels may represent interference with absorptive mechanisms.