Starlix Uses

Starlix uses include increasing the production of insulin in the pancreas in order to lower blood sugar. As a result, Starlix can help decrease the risk of developing problems related to high blood sugar, such as heart disease and kidney failure. The drug has not been approved for use in children, and there are currently no universally accepted off-label Starlix uses.

 

An Introduction to Starlix Uses

Starlix® (nateglinide) is a prescription medication licensed to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication is often used when blood sugar levels cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Starlix can be used by itself or in combination with another diabetes medication (see Starlix Alternatives).
 

Starlix 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 cells of the body do not respond to insulin as well as they normally should. As a result, the cells do not remove sugar from 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. The cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, although it is known that obesity and genetics play an important role.
 
Starlix is used for treating type 2 diabetes in people who cannot lower blood sugar enough through lifestyle changes alone (weight loss, diet, and exercise). The drug increases the production of insulin in the pancreas. It is designed to be taken before each meal in order to decrease blood sugar levels afterwards.
 
Starlix 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. Thus, using Starlix alone will not be effective. These people will need to take insulin medication.
 
(Starlix Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;