Which statement about meglitinides is true?

Which statement about meglitinides is true?

• A. They are taken after meals
• B. They are taken just before meals
• C. They are taken at bedtime
• D. They are taken with meals

Answer: (B)

Meglitinides are rapid, short-acting insulin secretagogues that stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in response to a meal. Because their effect is quick and brief, they are taken just before meals to align the insulin peak with the rise in blood glucose after eating. Taking them after a meal would miss the window when insulin is most needed to blunt post-meal hyperglycemia and could raise the risk of hypoglycemia if meals are delayed or skipped. Dosing at bedtime wouldn’t address the glucose surge from meals, and taking them with meals isn’t the standard timing—the goal is to time the dose to precede the meal so insulin is ready as glucose enters the bloodstream.

Meglitinides are rapid, short-acting insulin secretagogues that stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in response to a meal. Because their effect is quick and brief, they are taken just before meals to align the insulin peak with the rise in blood glucose after eating. Taking them after a meal would miss the window when insulin is most needed to blunt post-meal hyperglycemia and could raise the risk of hypoglycemia if meals are delayed or skipped. Dosing at bedtime wouldn’t address the glucose surge from meals, and taking them with meals isn’t the standard timing—the goal is to time the dose to precede the meal so insulin is ready as glucose enters the bloodstream.