Type 2 Diabetes Medications

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AL-fa gloo-KOS-ih-dayss in-HIB-it-ers) are oral Type 2 diabetes medications that are used in Type 2 Diabetics to lower the blood sugar level by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates from food. Acarbose and Miglitol are two of the most common Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors prescribed.

How Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors Work

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors help to control the blood sugar level by slowing the sugar absorption rate in the intestines. As such, Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors do not cause the pancreas to produce more insulin. And, for that reason Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors do not cause low blood sugar unless taken with other diabetes medications.

Why Use Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are very effective in helping diabetics maintain even blood sugar levels, especially right after they eat. Typically, diabetics lose weight when they take Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors along with a nutritious diet, exercise, and, sometimes, take other medications, such as insulin or oral medications. However, Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors alone are generally not enough to help diabetics lose a significant amount of weight.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are most often prescribed for diabetics that have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. New diabetics often have blood sugar levels that are only slightly elevated. Often, if a diabetic is also taking insulin to treat diabetes, they can normally decrease their insulin intake after they begin taking Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

Side Effects of Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors(AL-fa gloo-KOS-ih-dayss in-HIB-it-ers) are temporary digestive problems (gas, diarrhea).

Some popular types and brands are:

* Acarbose- Precose
* Miglitol – Glyset
* Voglibose