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Home / Glinides- Usage, Benefits, and Side Effects

Glinides- Usage, Benefits, and Side Effects

Glinides commonly referred to as prandial glucose regulators, are a class of oral medications developed to treat persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. By releasing more insulin into the bloodstream, glinides are used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Resulting in better postprandial glucose level control.

Glinides work similarly to sulfonylureas, they also encourage the beta cell to produce more insulin. Unlike sulphonylureas, prandial glucose regulators have a rapid onset but only last for a short time.

To prevent additional post-meal rises in blood glucose levels, they are taken up to three times a day, up to 30 minutes before meals.

Two products are categorized as prandial glucose regulators:

  •    Repaglinide (trade name- Prandin)
  •    Nateglinide (trade name- Starlix)

How do prandial glucose regulators or glinides function?

Glinides are insulin secretagogues that increase the pancreas' production of the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar levels.

Glinides work by connecting to a protein channel (ATP-sensitive potassium channel) in the pancreatic cells that make insulin (beta cells). In the end, insulin-producing beta cells produce more insulin.

What is the use of glinides?

Glinides are suitable for people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels are above the NICE guideline target of 6.5%.

What are the benefits of glinides?

Prandial glucose regulators, which lower blood glucose levels greatly and work quickly, are advantageous for persons with a non-routine lifestyle.


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What are the side effects of glinides?

Side effects of glinides include

  •    Abdominal pain
  •    Liver or kidney problems
  •    Nausea
  •    Diarrhea
  •    Allergic skin reaction
  •    Hypoglycemia
  •    Weight gain

1. Repaglinide

Trade Name- Prandin

Mechanism of action of Repaglinide-

  •    Similar to sulfonylureas, it prevents potassium efflux (blocks ATP-regulated K channels), which depolarizes pancreatic beta-cells and causes the release of insulin.
  •    Its structure is different from sulfonylurea.
  •    Compared to sulfonylureas, has a lower binding affinity and a quicker dissociation from the SUR1 binding site.

Repaglinide is useful for one suffering from type 2 diabetes. Patients, who have allergies to sulfonylureas, can use Repaglinide.

Who should avoid taking Repaglinide?


  •    A person who has type 1 diabetes, severe liver disease, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
  •    One who is allergic to any of the ingredients of repaglinide.
  •    Severe dysfunction

What are the side effects of Repaglinide?

Side effects of Repaglinide include:

  •    Hypoglycemia
  •    Weight gain
  •    Joint Pain
  •    Anxiety
  •    Confusion
  •    Headache
  •    Hunger
  •    Blurred vision
  •    Chills

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How to store Repaglinide?

Store in a closed container away from light, heat, and moisture at room temperature.

If you are skipping a meal or your blood sugar is low, you shouldn't take a prescription dose.

Keep track of your blood sugar level and use the medicine as directed by your doctor. Keeping blood sugar levels under control helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve damage, limb loss, and sexual function problems.Repaglinide works by helping the body to create more insulin.

Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking medication. At Specialty Care Clinic, we have a team of highly qualified doctors who assists with various diseases.

2. Nateglinide

Trade name- Starlix

Mechanism of action-

  •    Similar to sulfonylureas, decreases potassium efflux from pancreatic beta-cells.
  •    Compared to sulfonylureas, has a lower binding affinity and a quicker dissociation from the SUR1 binding site.
  •    Its structure is different from sulfonylurea.

In Type II diabetics, nateglinide is useful for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia. In combination with dietary measures and exercise, this medicine is used to help control blood sugar levels in type II diabetics.

Who should avoid taking Nateglinide?

A person who has type 1 diabetes.

What are the side effects of Nateglinide?

Side effects of Nateglinide include:

  •    Hypoglycemia
  •    Weight gain
  •    Dizziness
  •    Headache
  •    Weakness
  •    Pale skin
  •    Hunger
  •    Changes in behavior
  •    Nervousness



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There may be negative effects of Nateglinide, tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  •    Headache
  •    Nasal Congestion
  •    Joint aches
  •    Back Pain
  •    Flu-like symptoms
  •    Constipation

What are the precautions of Nateglinide?


  •    Before taking Nateglinide, inform your doctor if you have an allergy to Nateglinide or any other drugs.
  •    Any other medicines you are taking.
  •    If you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
  •    If you have a fever, infection, or illness with vomiting or diarrhea.

How to store Nateglinide?

Storage - Keep this medicine in a closed container, away from heat and moisture at room temperature and out of children’s reach.

Regular blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests should be done to monitor your nateglinide response.

Starlix (common version) is covered by 74% of insurance plans at a copay of $60-$80, but some pharmacies may offer coupons or cash discounts.



It is very important to control the blood sugar level of a diabetic patient along with diet and exercise. Specialty Care Clinics assist with the best possible treatment after diagnosing the conditions. Use medication after consulting a doctor. Contact us at 469-545-9983 if you have diabetes or want to book an appointment.