Meglitinides
Repaglinide (brand name: Prandin) is in a class of drugs known as meglitinides (meh-GLIT-in-ides). This relatively new, considerably more expensive prescription medicine helps a patient's pancreas make more insulin and is typically taken before breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Potential side effects: This drug, as with any blood-sugar-lowering medication, may make blood glucose go too low and cause hypoglycemia, which the elderly are already more prone to experience. It may also cause cold- and flu-like symptoms, upset stomach, joint ache, or headache.
D-phenylaline derivatives
Another newer, more costly class of drugs, D-phenylalanine (dee-fen-nel-AL-ah-neen) derivatives, help a patient's pancreas produce insulin more quickly. Nateglinide (brand name: Starlix) is an example of this class of drugs, which can be taken in combination with some other oral diabetes drugs. The pill is taken right before meals, does its job, and then quits, which helps avoid mealtime blood sugar spikes.
Potential side effects: Common side effects include mild cold- or flu-like symptoms, back pain, dizziness, and joint ache.
