Meglitinides - Oral Antidiabetic Medications

Meglitinides are oral antidiabetic medications that help lower blood sugar levels.

Meglitinides. FAQ

What are meglitinides used for?

Meglitinides are oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by triggering the production of insulin. Medications in this class include Prandin (repaglinide) and Starlix (nateglinide). The brand names Prandin and Starlix have been discontinued, but the generic medications are still available.

What is a meglitinide drug?

Insulin secretagogues help the pancreas make and release insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels. A meglitinide drug may be used alone as monotherapy, or as combination therapy with other diabetes medications such as a sulfonylurea like glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride, or metformin, or a thiazolidinedione like pioglitazone.

How do meglitinides work?

These medications decrease glucose (sugar) by helping the pancreatic beta cells release insulin. In more specific terms, the mechanism of action by which meglitinides work is by closing ATP-dependent potassium channels in the beta-cell membrane. This leads to an opening of calcium channels, which induces insulin secretion.

What is the difference between repaglinide and meglitinides?

Meglitinides, such as repaglinide, have a rapid onset of action and short duration of activity. These drugs can be used flexibly around mealtimes and adjusted to fit around individual eating habits which may be beneficial for some patients, but generally are a less preferred option than the sulfonylureas.

How do meglitinide derivatives work?

Meglitinide derivatives are a class of drugs used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). They work by triggering cells in the pancreas to release insulin. This helps lower blood sugar levels, especially after eating. Meglitinide derivatives are only useful if your pancreatic beta cells work.