Does acarbose still work if taken after meals?
Apr 19, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Renling
Introduction
Taking acarbose after meals results in reduced effectiveness. Acarbose is an antidiabetic medication that works by reducing or inhibiting sucrase, pancreatic amylase, and intestinal epithelial glucoamylase, thereby preventing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the intestine and decreasing plasma insulin secretion, ultimately helping control postprandial blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is better to take acarbose before meals; taking it after meals significantly diminishes its therapeutic effect, which is unfavorable for disease management.
Generally, taking acarbose after meals has a relatively limited effect. It is recommended to take it before meals for better efficacy. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Acarbose is an antidiabetic medication that primarily acts on the glycosidase enzymes of the small intestinal mucosa. It reduces or inhibits the activity of sucrase, pancreatic amylase, and intestinal epithelial glucosidase, thereby preventing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the intestines and reducing plasma insulin secretion, achieving the goal of controlling postprandial blood glucose levels. Therefore, taking the drug before meals is more effective. Taking it after meals significantly reduces its therapeutic effect, which is unfavorable for disease management.
Patients with high blood glucose should use medications appropriately under the guidance of a physician and avoid adjusting their medication regimen without medical advice, to prevent worsening of their condition.
