Prandin is often prescribed to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the pancreas produce more insulin. The drug comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth before each meal. If you skip a meal, you should also skip your Prandin dose. Side effects are possible; common ones include low blood sugar, upper respiratory tract infections, and headaches.
Prandin is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Inc.
Prandin 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
diabetes medication called sulfonylureas
(see Prandin Alternatives) also helps the pancreas make more insulin. However, unlike sulfonylureas, Prandin is short-acting and is used to lower blood sugar after meals.
Several studies have looked at the effects of Prandin, particularly with regards to hemoglobin A1c and postprandial blood glucose.
Prandin 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 Prandin lowered their HbA1c by up to 0.6 percent on average, while people not taking Prandin 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 Prandin, it may be possible to decrease the chances of developing these diabetes-related complications.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print