Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

The medication glipizide is associated with the lowest cancer risk among diabetes treatments. Glipizide, a sulfonylurea, works primarily by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas, and its long-term use has not shown a significant increase in cancer risk in studies.

In contrast, other options have varying associations with cancer risk. For example, pioglitazone has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, a concern that is particularly noted when considering long-term use. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown some promise in reducing certain cancer risks but still carries other safety considerations. Sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, has had mixed findings in the literature regarding its cancer risk profile, though it is generally considered to have a neutral effect.

Given the evidence surrounding these medications, glipizide stands out for its safety profile in relation to cancer risk, making it a preferable choice when considering this specific concern in diabetes management.