Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Degrees of blood sugar imbalance
Depending on the degree of the blood sugar imbalance, some people with type 2 diabetes do show improvement in their condition by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. For most people, however, diet and exercise are not enough for them to manage their diabetes adequately. For those people, a medication (or medications) are recommended to lower their glucose levels.

Many people with type 2 diabetes take one or more oral antidiabetic medications. When oral antidiabetic medicine no longer keeps glucose levels under control, then insulin injections may be needed.

How oral medications work

There are 2 main types of oral medications, and each works in different ways:

Secretagogues: These medicines help the beta cells of the pancreas (where insulin is normally produced) release - or "secrete" - more insulin. Because they increase insulin secretion, they are known as secretagogues.

Sensitizers: These medicines make tissue, such as muscle and fat, more "sensitive" to insulin, meaning that they make it easier for cells to use insulin rather than "resist" it. When insulin is working properly, it allows glucose to enter cells and provide energy to them. Sensitizers also help keep the liver from releasing glucose inappropriately.

Because these types of medications work in different but complementary ways, they are sometimes used together.

PRANDIN^® (repaglinide) Tablets help control mealtime glucose

PRANDIN^® is a secretagogue - it helps the body release more insulin.

Unlike some other secretagogues, however, PRANDIN^® is taken before meals to help control glucose levels after meals when these levels are most likely to spike. PRANDIN^® is sometimes used together with the sensitizer metformin or another sensitizer for added glucose control. These drugs include Actos^®, Avandia^®, or metformin. Only your doctor can tell you which medication or combination of medications is right for you, but if you are using a sensitizer you may want to discuss whether PRANDIN^® is right for you, too.

You can take Prandin^® 2, 3 or 4 times daily, up to a maximum of 16mg per day, depending on how many meals you eat, as directed by your doctor. If you miss a meal, don't take Prandin^®.

Safety Information
As with all blood glucose lowering drugs, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is possible in people taking Prandin. Other symptoms reported by patients taking Prandin in clinical trials include: cold and flu like symptoms, headache, diarrhea, joint ache and back pain. In combination with sensitizers, additional side effects may also include fluid retention and weight gain.

See important safety information in PRANDIN^® Product Insert. PRANDIN^® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk™ A/S