The double-blinding of the randomized study medication was maintained by the use of identical placebo and active tablets and capsules for nateglinide and valsartan, respectively. Patients were instructed not to take the morning dose of either medication nor to eat breakfast on the day of a scheduled study visit, but to wait until after the visit was completed. Patients not tolerating the higher dose (Level 2) were down-titrated to receive Level 1. Patients not tolerating the lower dose (Level 1) had a treatment interruption. Starting at Week 2 and throughout the study, attempts were to be made to reach the highest dose level (Level 2), if medically acceptable. Following each change in dose level or re-initiation of treatment, tolerability was assessed after 2 weeks of exposure.

The double-blinding of the randomized study medication was maintained by the use of identical placebo and active tablets and capsules for nateglinide and valsartan, respectively. Patients were instructed not to take the morning dose of either medication nor to eat breakfast on the day of a scheduled study visit, but to wait until after the visit was completed. Patients not tolerating the higher dose (Level 2) were down-titrated to receive Level 1. Patients not tolerating the lower dose (Level 1) had a treatment interruption. Starting at Week 2 and throughout the study, attempts were to be made to reach the highest dose level (Level 2), if medically acceptable. Following each change in dose level or re-initiation of treatment, tolerability was assessed after 2 weeks of exposure.

The double-blinding of the randomized study medication was maintained by the use of identical placebo and active tablets and capsules for nateglinide and valsartan, respectively. Patients were instructed not to take the morning dose of either medication nor to eat breakfast on the day of a scheduled study visit, but to wait until after the visit was completed. Patients not tolerating the higher dose (Level 2) were down-titrated to receive Level 1. Patients not tolerating the lower dose (Level 1) had a treatment interruption. Starting at Week 2 and throughout the study, attempts were to be made to reach the highest dose level (Level 2), if medically acceptable. Following each change in dose level or re-initiation of treatment, tolerability was assessed after 2 weeks of exposure.

The core cardiovascular endpoint was defined as a cardiovascular morbidity/mortality event including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and hospitalization for congestive heart failure.

For the first 2 weeks of treatment, patients took one 30 mg tablet of nateglinide with a glass of water 1-30 minutes before each main meal of the day, ie, 3 times daily ante cibum (ac, before meals). If a meal was missed, the patient was not to take a tablet. After 2 weeks, patients were uptitrated to 60 mg nateglinide ac. Patients also received placebo matching valsartan capsules identical to the active valsartan capsules.

Patients took 3 placebo tablets identical to nateglinide tablets 3 times daily ac and 1 placebo capsule identical to valsartan capsule once daily in the morning.