Repaglinide (Cont.)

 
Repaglinide 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 repaglinide lowered their HbA1c by up to 0.6 percent on average, while people not taking the drug increased their HbA1c by 1.1 percent.
 
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes problems such as:
 
 
By getting blood sugar levels under control with repaglinide, it may be possible to decrease the chances of developing these diabetes-related complications.
 
Repaglinide and Postprandial Blood Glucose
Postprandial blood glucose (blood sugar levels after a meal) is another way to study the effects of diabetes medications. During clincial studies, people taking repaglinide decreased their postprandial blood glucose levels by up to 47.6 mg/dL, while people not taking the drug increased their levels by 56.5 mg/dL.
 

When and How to Take Repaglinide

General considerations for when and how to take repaglinide include the following:
 
  • Repaglinide comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth before each meal.
  • The medication can be taken up to half an hour before each meal. If you skip a meal, you should also skip your dose of repaglinide.
  • For repaglinide to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The drug will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Repaglinide Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;