A patient with type 2 diabetes has been prescribed glipizide. Which common side effect should the nurse include in the discharge instructions?

Explanation

•Sulfonylureas commonly cause weight gain in patients, mainly due to the effect of increasing insulin sensitivity and utilization of glucose. Instead of glucose from food circulating in the blood and being filtered out and wasted, the energy is able to get into the cells and excess glucose is able to be stored.

•Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cells.

•Other side effects include hypoglycemia, headache, GI upset, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, nervousness, and tremors.

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