Repaglinide

Repaglinide is an anti-diabetic drug in the meglitinide class. It is sold with the brand name of Prandin® in the U.S., GlucoNorm® in Canada, and NovoNorm® elsewhere for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its supplier is Novo Nordisk. The medicine controls high blood sugar that helps in preventing heart disease and strokes, kidney disease, retinopathy, and many ther complications of diabetes.

Its usage and effect have been described in these words: "Repaglinide is commonly used in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. It is administered alone or with other medications to control high blood sugar levels, together with a proper diet and exercise program ... This medication works by lowering blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. It achieves this by closing ATP-dependent potassium channels in the membrane of the beta cells. This depolarizes the beta cells, opening the cells' calcium channels, and the resulting calcium influx induces insulin secretion."