Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| acarbose | Precose |
| miglitol | Glyset |
How It Works
Acarbose and miglitol help keep blood sugar levels within a target range by slowing the rate at which the intestines absorb sugar (glucose) from food. These medicines do not cause the pancreas to produce more insulin. They will not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) unless they are used in combination with other oral medicines for diabetes or with insulin.
Why It Is Used
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors have proved helpful for people with type 2 diabetes who have not been able to keep their blood sugar levels within a safe range by eating a balanced diet, losing weight, and exercising. They are very helpful in controlling the blood sugar levels of people who have high blood sugar levels right after they eat.
These medicines are most useful for people who have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and who have blood sugar levels only slightly above the level for diabetes. They may also be used to treat people who are taking other medicine for diabetes, such as metformin.1
Both medicines may be used alone, with another medicine for diabetes, or with insulin.
How Well It Works
These medicines have been found to be especially helpful for people who tend to have high blood sugar levels right after they eat (postprandial hyperglycemia).
People taking insulin who start using acarbose usually are able to decrease the amount of insulin they take.
People taking acarbose alone tend not to gain weight or may lose a small amount of weight.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are temporary digestive symptoms: typically belly discomfort, excessive gas (flatulence), and diarrhea. You may be able to reduce this side effect by decreasing the amount of high-carbohydrate foods you eat, such as pasta, breads, and rice.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
These medicines do not cause low blood sugar or weight gain, which are common side effects of the sulfonylurea medicines and insulin.
Acarbose and miglitol may need to be taken 3 times a day, with each meal.
If you take one of these medicines along with another medicine that lowers blood sugar (such as insulin or a sulfonylurea medicine), your blood sugar level can drop very low. If your blood sugar level does drop too low, use glucose tablets-rather than other simple sugars such as fructose, lactose, or sucrose-to raise your blood sugar level. If you do not treat low blood sugar with glucose tablets, it may require more food to raise your blood sugar level than it would for a person who is not taking one of these medicines.
Children
Few studies have been done on the use of oral medicines for type 2 diabetes in children. And these medicines have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children. But because these oral medicines are safe for adults, most doctors use them to treat children who have type 2 diabetes. Also, these medicines are not absorbed into the bloodstream, so they do not have systemic side effects.
But the increase in belly gas associated with their use makes them less desirable than other oral medicines for diabetes.
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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
June 09, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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