Acarbose, Precose and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
... including Glucobay, Miglitol and Glyset.
Acarbose and Precose, known as Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors,
are oral drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
It is particularly useful in cases where 'after eating' (known as 'post-prandial')
blood sugar levels need reducing.
Acarbose and Precose work by blocking the enzymes that help digest your food. This causes your blood sugar to rise more slowly and allows your body to process it in a more controlled manner.
Acarbose must be taken with the first bite of food at each meal.
Acarbose or Precose may be taken alone or in combination with many of the
other diabetic drugs such as Amaryl, Prandin, Glucophage, and Insulin.
Acarbose can cause side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea, especially when people first begin taking the medicine. People with diabetes can lessen these side effects by starting with a low dose and building up to the regular dose.
The side effects of Acarbose and Precose may include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal Cramps
- Diarrhea
Unlike many other diabetic medications, Acarbose and Precose do not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
However, Hypoglycemia may occur if you take Amaryl (or one of the other sulfonylureas) or insulin along with Acarbose. If hypoglycemia does occur, you need to take glucose tablets or milk rather than sucrose or fruit jiuce, as these are blocked by the medication.
