Prandin Uses

Prandin uses include helping the pancreas to produce more insulin and improving the body's response to insulin. By lowering blood sugar, Prandin can decrease the chances of developing problems associated with high blood sugar, such as heart disease and kidney failure. The drug has not been approved for use in children, and there are no universally accepted off-label Prandin uses.

 

An Introduction to Prandin Uses

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

Prandin Uses 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 body does not respond to insulin as well as it 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.
 
Prandin can treat type 2 diabetes in people who cannot lower blood sugar enough through lifestyle changes alone (weight loss, diet, and exercise). The medication increases the production of insulin in the pancreas. Prandin is designed to be taken before each meal in order to decrease blood sugar levels afterwards.
 
In some people, Prandin 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. In these cases, using Prandin alone will not be effective. An insulin medication needs to be taken as well.
 
(Prandin Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;