Effects of Prolonged (6 Months) α-Glucosidase Inhibition on Blood Glucose Control and Insulin Requirements in Patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Summary

To examine prolonged α-glucosidase inhibition on blood glucose control, Acarbose, a potent α-glucosidase inhibitor, was administered for six months to insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Acarbose administration significantly diminished postprandial blood glucose increases by 20-30% and reduced insulin requirements by about 40% in these patients. Symptoms related to its use almost disappeared after the first month of treatment. These results suggest that prolonged α-glucosidase inhibition improves glucose tolerance in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Thus, an agent like acarbose might be a useful adjunct to insulin in the treatment of diabetic patients.

Key-Words

α-Glucosidase Inhibitors - Diabetes - Glycemic Control