Examples
|
| Precose | acarbose |
| Glyset | miglitol |
How It Works
Acarbose
and miglitol help keep blood sugar levels within a
target range by slowing the digestion of , also called starches. Complex carbohydrates include foods like bread, cereal, grain, pasta, rice, flour, beans, and vegetables like potatoes and corn. These medicines do not change the effect that simple sugars have on blood sugar. Simple sugars include foods like fruit, juice, milk, honey, desserts, and candy.
The medicine is taken with the first bite of food. These medicines do not cause the
to produce more insulin. They will not cause
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) unless they are used with other
oral medicines for diabetes or with
.
Why It Is Used
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors help people with
whose blood sugar is highest after eating complex carbohydrates.
The medicine may be used alone, with another medicine for diabetes,
or with insulin.
How Well It Works
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that can get worse over time, so medicines may need to change. Diabetes medicines work best for people who are being active and eating healthy foods.
When taken with the first bite of food, these medicines have been found
to lower blood sugar levels
in people who have high blood sugar after eating (postprandial hyperglycemia). Studies have suggested that alpha-glucosidase inhibitors lower hemoglobin A1c by 0.5% to 0.8%.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have: