Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors - Diabetes Medication

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a class of medications used to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors FAQ

What are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are pills that treat type 2 diabetes. There are two medications in this group, or class, of drugs: acarbose ( Precose) and miglitol ( Glyset ). They help keep the amount of glucose in your blood from going up too fast after you eat.

What are alpha glucosidase inhibitors?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates from the small intestine. They competitively inhibit enzymes that convert complex non-absorbable carbohydrates into simple absorbable carbohydrates. These enzymes include glucoamylase, sucrase, maltase, and isomaltase.

Are alpha glucosidase inhibitors good for type 2 diabetes?

Alpha glucosidase inhibitors are recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose despite using other diabetic medications. These are typically not first-line, but can be used in special situations. On average, most patients find that their Hb A1c levels drop by approximately 0.5% on these medications. What?

How are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors used in diabetes mellitus type 2?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are used to establish greater glycemic control over hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus type 2, particularly with regard to postprandial hyperglycemia. They may be used as monotherapy in conjunction with an appropriate diabetic diet and exercise, or they may be used in conjunction with other anti-diabetic drugs.

What are alpha glucosidase inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus Alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors may be used for patients with type 2 diabetes. They delay the absorbance of carbohydrates ('complex form of sugar') in the gut.

What are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs)?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) are a class of drugs that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus alone or combined with other antidiabetic drugs. They may also be used in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and delay the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in these patients.

Who should take alpha glucosidase inhibitors?

Who? Alpha glucosidase inhibitors are recommended for persons with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled blood glucose despite using other diabetic medications. These are typically not first-line, but can be used in special situations. On average, most patients find that their Hb A1c levels drop by approximately 0.5% on these medications.

How many alpha glucosidase inhibitors are there?

For an explanation of methodological terms, see the main Glossary in The Cochrane Library. Currently, four alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors exist: acarbose, miglitol, voglibose and emiglitate. Of these, acarbose is by far the most prescribed drug.