Key takeaways
Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and nateglinide (Starlix) are both medications used to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Saxagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that helps insulin stay in your body longer, while nateglinide is a meglitinide that makes your pancreas release more insulin. Saxagliptin is taken once daily, with or without food, while nateglinide is taken three times a day before meals. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common saxagliptin side effects include infections and headaches. Nateglinide can cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip meals, and may lead to weight gain. Both medications can be taken with metformin, a first-choice diabetes medication.
