Clinical pharmacokinetics of nateglinide: a rapidly-absorbed,
short-acting insulinotropic agent.  Authors: McLeod, JF 
Citation: McLeod JF Clin Pharmacokinet. 2004;43(2):97-120.
Pubmed: (View Article at PubMed) PMID:14748619 DOI: Full-text:
DOI:10.2165/00003088-200443020-00003  The prevalence and medical
and economic impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing in
Western societies. New agents have been developed that act
primarily to reduce postprandial glucose excursions, which may
be of particular significance now that postprandial glucose
excursions are known to be correlated with cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality. Nateglinide is a phenylalanine
derivative that blocks K+ channels in pancreatic beta-cells,
facilitating insulin secretion. Nateglinide sensitises beta-
cells to ambient glucose, reducing the glucose concentration
needed to stimulate insulin secretion. The pharmacokinetics of
nateglinide are characterised by rapid absorption and
elimination, with good (73%) bioavailability. Nateglinide