Repaglinide

Repaglinide is used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It causes the pancreas to make more insulin in order to lower blood sugar levels after meals. The medication, which comes in tablet form, is typically taken up to half an hour before each meal. Potential side effects include headaches, low blood sugar levels, and upper respiratory tract infections.

Repaglinide Drug Information

What Is Repaglinide?

Repaglinide (Prandin^®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes).

(Click What Is Repaglinide Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Repaglinide is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Inc.

How Does Repaglinide Work?

Repaglinide is part of a group of diabetes medications called meglitinides. Meglitinides help the pancreas make more insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar. Another type of medication, called sulfonylureas, also helps the pancreas make more insulin. However, unlike sulfonylureas, repaglinide is short-acting and is used to lower blood sugar after meals.

Clinical Effects

Several studies have looked at the effects of repaglinide, particularly with regard to hemoglobin A1c and postprandial blood sugar levels.

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.

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