Do you have Type 2 Diabetes? If so, you probably know how annoying it is to have your blood sugar levels spike after a meal. Sometimes, no matter how much we control our diet and take other medications prescribed by our doctor, it can be difficult to control this condition. In this article, we will talk about a special class of pills that can help such people.
What are these Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors?
Simply put, these are a type of medication that is used to control Type 2 Diabetes. You may not remember the name when your doctor tells you, but there are two medications in this category: Acarbose (the most commonly used) and Miglitol .
The main function of these medications is to prevent your blood sugar levels from rising suddenly and rapidly after you eat.
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend this medication to you:
- If you have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and your main problem is high blood sugar after eating.
- If you are already taking other medications for diabetes, but still have difficulty controlling your blood sugar levels after meals, you can add this as an additional medication.
Okay, how does this medicine work inside the body?
This is very easy to understand. The starchy foods we eat, such as bread, rice, potatoes, and noodles, and the sugars we add to our food (for example, regular sugar) are digested in our intestines and then added to our blood as simple sugar (glucose).
These pills work by blocking the action of an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase in our intestines. This enzyme breaks down starches and sugars into simple sugars.
Imagine that the starchy foods you eat (like bread and rice) are a big train. What this medicine does is stop that train from coming to the station all at once, and let it come in slowly, little by little. Then, sugar builds up in your blood.
This significantly slows down the rate at which sugar is added to the blood, which helps control the sudden spike in blood sugar after eating.
This medicine is usually taken with the first bite of a main meal. Your doctor will often tell you to take it three times a day, with each of your three main meals. Using this medicine can help lower your A1c, which is your average blood sugar level over the past three months, by 0.5% to 0.8% .
Are there any side effects to these medications?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But there's nothing to worry about. The most important thing is to be aware of this.
The most important thing is that if you use this Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor alone, your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is very low . However, if you use other diabetes medications (e.g. Metformin, Gliclazide) or insulin injections with this medicine, there is a chance that your blood sugar may drop. Therefore, it is imperative to talk to your doctor about it and seek advice.
The most common side effects are some intestinal problems. To prevent these, your doctor will start you on a very low dose and gradually increase the dose.
| Side effect | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Flatulence/passing gas | Starchy foods can cause gas to accumulate in the intestines because digestion is delayed. |
| Diarrhea | A condition that can occur due to undigested food remaining in the intestine. |
| Upset stomach / Belly pain | This discomfort may occur until the body gets used to the medication. |
The good news is that most of these side effects go away on their own after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if these discomforts persist or become severe, be sure to let your doctor know.
Who is not suitable to take this medicine?
This medication is not suitable for everyone. Some people with certain health conditions may experience problems with this medication. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor your complete health history.
| Health status | Why is this medicine unsuitable? |
|---|---|
| In general, this category of medication is not suitable for: | |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease - e.g. Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease | These conditions can become more severe. |
| Blockage in intestines | The condition may worsen due to the action of the medicine. |
| Other digestive system diseases that occur in the intestine | Existing digestive problems may worsen. |
| Diabetic Ketoacidosis | This is a dangerous complication of diabetes. This medicine is not suitable for it. |
| Acarbose is especially unsuitable when: | |
| Ulcer in your large intestine | Wound healing may be delayed or the condition may worsen. |
| Cirrhosis of the liver | This is not recommended as it may affect liver function. |
Additionally, this medication is generally not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is essential to inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant.
Take-Home Message
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a type of medication used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, especially after meals.
- This medication works by slowing down the absorption of starches and sugars you eat into your bloodstream in your intestines.
- The most common side effects are bloating and diarrhea, which usually subside on their own within a few weeks.
- This medicine should always be taken with the first bite of the main meal, as the doctor says.
- If you have other health problems, such as intestinal diseases or liver diseases, do not take this medicine without medical advice.
- It is important to be open with your doctor about all your medical conditions and any other medications you are taking. This is important for your safety.
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