A client with diabetes mellitus asks about repaglinide and metformin. Which statement about these medications is true?

The statement regarding diarrhea occurring secondary to metformin is indeed accurate. Metformin is known to cause gastrointestinal side effects, with diarrhea being one of the most common. This happens because metformin can alter gut microbiota and increase intestinal motility, leading to gastrointestinal upset. Patients starting on metformin often experience these side effects, especially during the initial weeks of therapy, as their bodies adjust to the medication.

Understanding this side effect is crucial for managing patient comfort and medication adherence. Proper patient education can help minimize anxiety about the potential gastrointestinal effects and can encourage them to continue the medication, knowing that the side effects may diminish over time or can be managed through dietary changes or dose adjustments.

The context of the other statements provides additional insights into the use of repaglinide and metformin. Repaglinide, an oral hypoglycemic agent, indeed has specific intake guidelines related to meal timing, which is essential for optimal glycemic control.