What are the antidiabetic drugs in the AGI class?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) include acarbose, voglibose, and miglitol.

AGIs—alpha-glucosidase inhibitors—are a class of antihyperglycemic agents that primarily act by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase. Alpha-glucosidase plays a critical role in the digestion and absorption of dietary carbohydrates; specifically, carbohydrates must bind to alpha-glucosidase to be broken down and absorbed.

The glucose-lowering mechanism of AGIs involves inhibition of alpha-glucosidase located on the brush-border membrane of the small intestine. This inhibition delays the breakdown of complex carbohydrates (e.g., starch) into glucose, thereby reducing and slowing intestinal glucose absorption and ultimately lowering postprandial blood glucose levels.

However, it should be noted that AGIs are contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment.