How Does Prandin Work?
Prandin (Repaglinide) is a peroral hypoglycemic synthetic medicine which rapidly decreases the level of blood glucose through stimulating insulin release by the functioning beta-cells of the pancreas. Prandin is used to treat diabetes type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes, the medical problem of which is insulin resistance when the body does not respond to glucose accumulation in the blood the way it normally should. For that reason Prandin is designed to increase the production of insulin in the pancreas to handle glucose spikes.
The mechanism of action of Prandin is based on its ability to block the canals (ducts) in the membranes of beta-cells which are adenosine-triphosphoric-acid-dependent. Prandin influences the receptors, which consequently leads to depolarization of cells and opens calcium channels. As a result, the increased flow of calcium induces insulin secretion by beta-cells. It should be pointed out that however efficacious Prandin is thought to be, it does not impair such important aspects of a healthy lifestyle of a diabetes sufferer as physical exercises, glucose control, and dieting.
Since Prandin is aimed at decreasing the postprandial blood sugar levels, it is to be taken before meals. It can be taken 2, 3 and even 4 times a day before each meal in your daily schedule. The maximum doses are 4 mg per meal and up to 16 mg per day.
Prandin is a short-acting medicine and normally its insulinotropic action is observed within 30 minutes after the intake, which can potentially lead to a dramatic decrease in the levels of blood sugar. That is why like with other medicines used to treat diabetes type 2, it is advisable to monitor sugar levels closely and avoid overdose and undernourishment to decrease the risk of developing hypoglycemia. On condition of a strict self-control Prandin is a good option because its short duration and quick onset concentrate its effects on normalizing meal time glucose loads. Its short duration also manifests itself in a very important property of Prandin: it is quickly absorbed by the organism and the waste products leave the organism fast. Thus, Prandin is advantageously different from many other types of anti-diabetic medications in its structure and clearance.
It is also important that Prandin is excreted by the kidneys in minimal amounts which can be beneficial for patients with kidney failure or decreased kidney function.
The dosage is usually fixed individually and can vary depending on your average blood sugar levels.
An important note to make is that if your diabetes is in a desolate condition and your blood sugar levels have not been controlled and normalized for a long time, there is a danger that it your pancreas will not be able to produce enough insulin any more. In that case Prandin is usually combined with other anti-diabetic agents, and sometimes even with insulin medications.
Among characteristic side effects of Prandin are low glucose levels, headaches, general weakness, unpleasant sensations in the stomach, nausea and possible allergic reactions. Though the named side effects are possible, they occur quite rarely and in most cases they are minor.
Among contraindications are the following medical conditions: hypersensitivity to Prandin, diabetes type 1, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe liver or kidney dysfunction, pregnancy and beast feeding.