Key takeaways
Nateglinide (generic name) and acarbose (generic name) are both medications used to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different side effects. Nateglinide is a meglitinide that helps your pancreas release more insulin, and it is taken three times a day before meals. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, and it should be taken with the first bite of each main meal. Nateglinide can cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip a meal, while acarbose is less likely to cause low blood sugar when used alone but can cause gas and diarrhea. Nateglinide might lead to weight gain, whereas acarbose might help with weight loss. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.
