To which class of antidiabetic drugs does acarbose belong?

Sep 09, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Pan Yongyuan

Introduction

Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used for lowering blood glucose. Its main mechanism of action is to inhibit enzyme activity, thereby reducing the breakdown of carbohydrates or starch from polysaccharides into monosaccharides. This delays and reduces glucose absorption in the body, helping to alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia. Clinically, it is commonly used in conjunction with dietary control for the treatment of diabetes.

Acarbose is generally classified as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor—a class of antidiabetic medications.

Under normal physiological conditions, staple foods consumed by humans contain substantial amounts of starch, a polysaccharide. However, the form of glucose that the human body can directly utilize is monosaccharide. The conversion of polysaccharides into monosaccharides occurs gradually via the action of glycosidases—enzymes primarily located in the intestinal tract. Upon ingestion, starch is progressively broken down into glucose by these enzymes and subsequently absorbed for energy production. Acarbose exerts its therapeutic effect primarily by inhibiting the activity of these glycosidases, thereby reducing the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates (e.g., starch) from polysaccharides into absorbable monosaccharides. As a result, glucose absorption is delayed and diminished, helping to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia.

Acarbose is an antidiabetic agent commonly used clinically in conjunction with dietary management for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It is also effective in lowering postprandial blood glucose levels in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. However, its use may cause gastrointestinal side effects, including flatulence and increased bowel sounds (borborygmi).

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Is it harmful to take acarbose long-term?

Acarbose is an antidiabetic medication that helps lower postprandial blood glucose levels. However, after taking the drug, patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence, bowel sounds, diarrhea, and abdominal distension. If these symptoms occur, long-term use is not recommended to avoid potential harm to health. Under a doctor's guidance, alternative antidiabetic medications can be used to maintain blood glucose within the normal range.

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Can acarbose be used long-term?

Acarbose can generally be used long-term, but the specific situation varies from person to person, primarily depending on blood glucose control and whether any adverse reactions occur. Patients with diabetes should strengthen personal care in daily life and maintain a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, which helps manage the condition effectively.

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Do I need to take acarbose tablets with every meal?

Acarbose tablets are generally required to be taken with each meal. Specifically, acarbose is an antidiabetic medication that typically needs to be taken with every meal. Elevated blood glucose levels may result from diabetes influenced by dietary and genetic factors. To prevent adverse effects on organ systems and decreased immune function, it is essential to strictly control individual blood glucose levels.