New hypoglycemic agent nateglinide for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Nateglinide is a novel oral hypoglycemic agent that lowers blood glucose by stimulating insulin release, it exhibits a more rapid onset and shorter duration of hypoglycemic action than the sulphonylureas. It can effectively suppress the postprandial blood excursion. This paper reviews the progress in the pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics and clinical studies of nateglinide.