Nateglinide
Nateglinide is a short-acting meglitinide that stimulates rapid insulin secretion to control postprandial glucose.
It has a very rapid onset and short duration of action.
→ Meglitinides
Mechanism of Action
Nateglinide binds to:
Mechanism sequence:
Closure of KATP channel
Membrane depolarization
Calcium influx
Insulin release
Key distinction:
This results in lower risk of prolonged hypoglycemia compared to sulfonylureas.
Clinical Effects
Requires functioning pancreatic beta cells.
Dosing
Taken immediately before meals
Skip dose if meal skipped
Useful for irregular meal patterns
Pharmacokinetics
Adverse Effects
Common:
Lower risk of prolonged hypoglycemia compared to:
Contraindications / Cautions
Nateglinide vs Repaglinide
Repaglinide:
More potent
Slightly longer duration
Stronger HbA1c reduction
Nateglinide:
Nateglinide vs Sulfonylureas
Clinical Pearls
Rapid-acting insulin secretagogue
Take before meals
Skip dose if meal skipped
Shorter duration than repaglinide
Lower prolonged hypoglycemia risk than sulfonylureas