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Meglitinides: The Quick-Acting Diabetes Treatment You Might Not Know About
Published: Aug 30, 2024
Meglitinides are a class of diabetes medications that work differently from more common drugs. They offer unique benefits for some patients, particularly those struggling with after-meal blood sugar spikes.
How Meglitinides Work
Meglitinides, like repaglinide and nateglinide, stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Unlike sulfonylureas, they act quickly and have a short duration of action. Think of them as a 'quick burst' of insulin release, timed with meals. This makes them particularly useful for controlling post-meal blood sugar levels.
Who Might Benefit from Meglitinides?
Meglitinides can be helpful for patients who have high blood sugar spikes after meals but relatively normal fasting blood sugar. They're also useful for people with unpredictable eating schedules, as the medication is taken right before meals. Patients with kidney problems may be able to use repaglinide safely, as it's processed primarily by the liver.
Comparing Meglitinides to Other Diabetes Drugs
Meglitinides work similarly to sulfonylureas but with a shorter action time. This can mean a lower risk of prolonged low blood sugar. However, they may need to be taken more frequently. Compared to metformin, meglitinides are generally less preferred as a first-line treatment but can be useful in combination therapy or for patients who can't tolerate metformin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually before each main meal, up to 3 times daily.
They can, but typically less than sulfonylureas.
Current data doesn't show increased cardiovascular risk.
Yes, but careful monitoring is needed to avoid low blood sugar.
They start working within 30 minutes of taking them.
Wrapping Up
While not as widely used as some other diabetes medications, meglitinides offer a unique treatment option for certain patients.
References
- Fuhlendorff J, Rorsman P, Kofod H, et al. Stimulation of insulin release by repaglinide and glibenclamide involves both common and distinct processes. Diabetes 1998; 47:345.
- Black C, Donnelly P, McIntyre L, et al. Meglitinide analogues for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; :CD004654.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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