Can acarbose control postprandial blood glucose?

　　The common dosage form of acarbose is tablets. Under normal circumstances, acarbose can control postprandial blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, if pancreatic function is severely impaired, the effectiveness of acarbose in controlling postprandial blood glucose may be suboptimal. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention and follow medical guidance for treatment. Analysis as follows:

　　Acarbose competes with carbohydrates for carbohydrate-hydrolyzing glycosidic enzymes at the brush border of the small intestinal epithelium, thereby slowing the rate of carbohydrate hydrolysis and glucose production, and delaying glucose absorption. By inhibiting α-glucosidase on the surface of small intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, acarbose delays carbohydrate absorption, thus achieving the goal of reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. Acarbose is mainly used in patients with type 2 diabetes; appropriate use of acarbose by patients with type 2 diabetes can effectively control postprandial blood glucose levels and prevent excessive fluctuations in blood glucose.

　　However, if the patient's pancreatic function is severely impaired, or if there are gastrointestinal diseases, such as chronic enteritis or intestinal malabsorption syndrome, acarbose may not achieve the expected blood glucose control effect.

　　Acarbose is primarily excreted through the intestines and has minimal impact on liver and kidney function. However, attention should still be paid to potential drug interactions and side effects, such as abdominal distension, bowel sounds, and diarrhea, during use.