Can taking Amaryl (glimepiride) also lower fasting blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes?
Disease description:
My father is 56 years old and has had diabetes for two years. A friend told him that taking Glucobay (Acarbose) on an empty stomach can lower blood sugar levels. I would like to ask the doctor if this is true?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Acarbose tablets, also known as Glucobay, primarily lower postprandial blood glucose by delaying the absorption of carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract.
However, acarbose tablets are not significantly effective in lowering fasting blood glucose. Because acarbose mainly controls postprandial blood glucose, its direct effect on fasting blood glucose is limited. Nevertheless, by reducing postprandial glucose levels, it may help improve overall glycemic control and thereby exert a minor indirect effect on fasting blood glucose. This effect, however, is relatively small and not the primary action of acarbose.
For diabetic patients requiring control of fasting blood glucose, doctors usually prescribe other types of antidiabetic medications in combination, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. Additionally, diabetes management should include dietary control and appropriate exercise.
