Nateglinide and Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without
diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking nateglinide lowered their HbA1c by up to 0.5 percent on average, while people not taking the drug increased their HbA1c by 0.2 percent.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance of developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes problems such as:
By getting blood sugar levels under control, it may be possible to decrease the chances of developing these diabetes-related complications.
Nateglinide and Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of
diabetes drugs. In studies, people taking nateglinide decreased their fasting blood sugar levels by up to 13.6 mg/dL, while people not taking it increased their fasting blood sugar levels.
When and How to Take Nateglinide
General considerations for when and how to take nateglinide include the following:
- Nateglinide comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth before each meal.
- The drug can be taken up to half an hour before each meal. However, if you skip a meal, you should also skip your dose of nateglinide.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Nateglinide will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Nateglinide
The dose of nateglinide that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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