What it is
Pramlintide is a man-made version of amylin, a hormone made by the pancreas along with insulin. It was developed to help people with diabetes who use mealtime insulin.
It slows how fast food leaves the stomach, reduces the rise in glucagon after meals, and helps people feel full. This can smooth out blood sugar spikes after eating.
US regulatory status
FDA-approved (Symlin) for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin, with a boxed warning for severe low blood sugar. The NIH's MedlinePlus now reports that pramlintide injection has been discontinued in the US, so check current availability with your pharmacist.
What the research shows
Clinical trials showed that adding pramlintide to mealtime insulin modestly lowered A1C and body weight compared with insulin alone. It never became widely used because it requires extra injections and careful insulin adjustments to avoid low blood sugar.
How it is given
Subcutaneous injection (pen)
Commonly reported side effects
- Nausea
- Severe low blood sugar when used with insulin (boxed warning)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Injection site redness or itching
Questions to ask your provider
- Is pramlintide still available, and if not, what are my alternatives?
- How would this change my insulin plan and my risk of low blood sugar?
- What signs of low blood sugar should my family know about?