Meglitinides

Definition: Meglitinides are a classification of oral diabetes medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. This class of drugs is similar to alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in that they are taken before each meal. Meglitinides stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin in relationship to how much glucose is in the blood. The brand names for these drugs are Prandin (repaglinide) and Starlix (nateglinide). They can be used in combination with some other oral medications for increased effectiveness.