Effect of Acarbose on Daily Profile of Blood Glucose in Treatment of Type-II Diabetics

Abstract

The effects of Acarbose in the treatment of hospitalized type-II diabetics (non-insulin-dependent diabetics) were studied in 19 patients who had been poorly controlled with diet alone.
In a single-blind trial, they took placebo first and 150 or 300mg/day of acarbose for 2 weeks afterwards. Daily profiles of blood glucose, serum insulin and lipids were monitored.
Acarbose significantly reduced fasting, postprandial blood glucose levels and the area under the blood glucose curve of daily profiles in comparison to placebo. Administration of acarbose at 300mg/day was more effective in lowering the blood glucose levels than at 150mg/day. However, acarbose did not affect insulin secretion, serum lipid level or body weight.
Flatulence and/or meteorism occurred in only 3 patients who were treated with 300mg/day of acarbose. Biochemical and hematological controls indicated good objective tolerance.
Thus, acarbose appears to be useful for improving daily blood glucose profiles in type-II diabetics.