Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

Glipizide is indeed an example of a sulfonylurea, which is a class of oral medications used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas function by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, thereby helping to lower blood glucose levels. They act on the beta cells of the pancreas and are typically used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications to control blood sugar effectively.

Other choices include medications from different classes: Metformin is a biguanide that primarily reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. Pioglitazone belongs to the thiazolidinedione class, which also enhances insulin sensitivity but does so through different mechanisms. Repaglinide is part of the meglitinide class, which also works to stimulate insulin secretion, but its action is characterized by a rapid onset and shorter duration of effect compared to sulfonylureas. Each of these medications has a distinct mechanism of action and therapeutic role in diabetes management, but Glipizide specifically fits within the sulfonylurea category.