A new study of the diabetes medication repaglinide (Prandin) showed that the drug, with its flexible dosing schedule, improved glycemic control in patients who had not previously taken anti-diabetes medications. The patients were free to choose a flexible meal pattern, adjusting the dosing from 2 to 4 doses/day and following the “one meal, one dose - no meal, no dose” principle.

After 16 weeks, the patients had significantly improved glycemic control, with a 1.14% reduction in HbA1c from the baseline measure. The investigators concluded that mealtime dosing with this drug is effective in improving overall glycemic control in people who were unable to maintain control by diet alone. They found that patients were able to vary their meal patterns from a conventional 3 meals a day without compromising control or increasing their risk of side effects.