Effects of Prolonged (6 Months) α-Glucosidase Inhibition on Blood Glucose Control and Insulin Requirements in Patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Authors:
  • GDG. Dimitriadis
    G. Dimitriadis
  • CKC. Karaiskos
    C. Karaiskos
  • SRS. Raptis
    S. Raptis
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Abstract
To examine prolonged alpha-glucosidase inhibition on blood glucose control, Acarbose, a potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, was administered for six months to insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Acarbose administration significantly diminished postprandial blood glucose increases by 20-30% and reduced insulin requirements by about 40% in these patients. Symptoms related to its use almost disappeared after the first month of treatment. These results suggest that prolonged alpha-glucosidase inhibition improves glucose tolerance in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Thus, an agent like acarbose might be a useful adjunct to insulin in the treatment of diabetic patients.