Pramlintide

Pramlintide is a synthetic form of the hormone amylin, which works to reduce post meal blood glucose levels by:

Inhibiting the action of glucagon

Slowing the rate of digestion

Glucagon is the hormone which works in tandem with to insulin to control blood glucose levels. Following meals, glucagon will be released by the liver to raise levels of glucose in the blood in order to aid digestion. This is helpful in people without diabetes but can be problematic for those of us with diabetes as it can result in blood glucose rising too high after eating.

By inhibiting glucagon, amylin helps to prevent the liver from releasing glucose into the blood. Amylin also helps to slow down emptying of the stomach and the absorption of food in the small intestine. The hormone also has benefits in helping to reduce appetite.

Who is pramlintide suitable for?

Pramlinitide can be taken by people with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes that are on insulin and have persistent hyperglycemia after meals.

It is currently available to diabetic patients in the United States but is yet to be recommended for use on the NHS.

Who should not take Symlin?

Pramlintide can significantly increase the likelihood of hypoglycemia and so care needs to be taken when taking pramlintide.

Before taking pramlintide, your doctor must know if you:

Have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia

Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding

Are allergic to metacresol

Have or have had gastroparesis

Are taking antidepressants or antihistamines