Compare Starlix vs. Glyset

Nateglinide (Starlix) and miglitol (Glyset) are both oral 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. Nateglinide is a meglitinide that helps your pancreas release more insulin, while miglitol is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut. Both medications are taken three times a day before meals and are available as a lower-cost generic. Nateglinide can cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip a meal. Miglitol is less likely to cause low blood sugar when used alone but can cause side effects like gas and diarrhea. Nateglinide might lead to weight gain, while miglitol might cause weight loss.