April 11, 2023
Acarbose is an oral medication used in the management of type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which work by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. This results in lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Acarbose is typically prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone. It is often used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
Some potential benefits of acarbose include:
- Lowering post-meal blood sugar levels
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes
- Improving insulin sensitivity
- Lowering HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control)