Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Effects

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (ATC A10BF) have antidiabetic properties:

  • Glucose is released more slowly in the gut and absorbed more slowly into the blood
  • Decrease the rise in blood glucose after meals and blood sugar fluctuations.
  • Do not cause hypoglycemia as monotherapy

Mechanism of action

The action is based on the inhibition of intestinal enzymes (alpha-glucosidases) involved in the degradation of dietary di-, oligo- or polysaccharides. This leads to a delay in the digestion of the mentioned carbohydrates.

Indications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Active ingredients

  • Acarbose (Glucobay)
  • Miglitol (Diastabol, in many countries out of trade).