What Is Repaglinide Used For?

What Is Repaglinide Used For? -- An Introduction

Repaglinide (Prandin^®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication may be prescribed when blood sugar cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Repaglinide can be used by itself or in combination with other diabetes medications (see Prandin Alternatives).

 

Why Is Repaglinide Used for Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes (see Diabetes Types). It is also sometimes called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The condition involves insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, the cells of the body do not respond to insulin as well as they normally should. As a result, the cells do not take sugar out of the blood very well. This is why people with type 2 diabetes have high blood sugar.

 

Over time, high blood sugar can lead to a number of problems, including diabetic impotence, diabetic neuropathy, kidney failure, and heart disease (see Diabetes Complications). The cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, although it is known that obesity and genetics play an important role.

 

Repaglinide is used for treating type 2 diabetes in people who cannot lower blood sugar enough through lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet, and exercise). The medication increases the production of insulin in the pancreas. Repaglinide is designed to be taken before each meal in order to decrease blood sugar levels afterwards.

 

Repaglinide may need to be combined with other diabetes medicines. For example, if type 2 diabetes is untreated for a very long time, the pancreas may not be able to make enough insulin anymore. Therefore, using repaglinide alone will not be effective and an insulin medication will likely be necessary.