Glucotrol, or the generic version Glipizide, is an oral medication that can help control blood sugar in people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Approximately 30 million Americans live with diabetes, and millions more are pre-diabetic. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, but it is preventable and treatable. Controlling blood sugar is as important as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly after you have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Glucotrol is classified as a sulfonylurea. It controls blood sugar by helping the pancreas produce insulin. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is common in Type 2 diabetes patients, and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, accelerated heart rate, sweating, and irritability. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can cause excessive thirst, blurred vision, headaches and fatigue. Blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and contribute to:
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Nerve damage
- Weakened immune system
- Vision loss and blindness
How Medicare Can Help
Medicare Part D can help cover the costs of Glucotrol and reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses for prescription medications. If you are enrolling in prescription drug coverage for the first time, you can choose to enroll in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) if you have Original Medicare. You can also choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. MA plans are required to provide at least the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but many offer additional coverage, including prescription drug coverage.
If you already rely on Glucotrol to help control your blood sugar levels, compare prescription drug plans before enrolling. Each plan will have its own formulary, or list of covered drugs, and costs can vary. Each plan will have tiers of pricing based on whether you purchase brand-name or generic drugs, or if you use a mail order pharmacy. Review the plans in your area and find the plan that meets your specific needs.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or any condition that requires medications in the past year and your current insurance no longer meets your needs, consider your options during Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP). From October 15 through December 7 each year, you can make changes to or enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage plan.
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