A 65-year-old man with type 2 diabetes has erratic meal timings due to his work schedule. His postprandial glucose values are consistently elevated despite controlled fasting glucose. Which oral hypoglycemic is most suitable for targeting postprandial hyperglycemia in this patient with irregular meal patterns?
- A Repaglinide (meglitinide) ✓
- B Gliclazide (sulfonylurea)
- C Pioglitazone (thiazolidinedione)
- D Metformin (biguanide)
Correct answer: A. Repaglinide (meglitinide)
Explanation
Repaglinide is a meglitinide with rapid onset and short duration of action. It is taken just before meals and stimulates quick insulin secretion, making it ideal for controlling postprandial glucose in patients with irregular meal schedules. Gliclazide has a longer duration and higher hypoglycemia risk. Pioglitazone and metformin do not provide rapid postprandial glucose control.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.