Final answer:
Combining glipizide with alcohol can significantly lower blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When glipizide, a sulfonylurea, is combined with alcohol, it can increase the risk of developing symptoms of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This is because both glipizide and alcohol can independently lower blood sugar levels.
Glipizide works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which can lower blood sugar levels. Alcohol, on the other hand, can impair the liver's ability to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, leading to decreased blood sugar levels.
Therefore, combining glipizide with alcohol can significantly lower blood sugar levels and increase the risk of experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, sweating, and even loss of consciousness.