Type 2 Diabetes: Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Brand Name (Generic Name)

Glyset (miglitol)
Precose (acarbose)

There are now two alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, acarbose (AK-er-bose) and miglitol (MIG-leh-tall). Both medicines block the enzymes that digest the starches you eat. This action causes a slower and lower rise of blood glucose through the day, but mainly right after meals.

Neither acarbose nor miglitol causes hypoglycemia when it is the only diabetes medicine you take.

How often should I take acarbose or miglitol?

Three times a day, at each meal. Your doctor might ask you to take the medicine less often at first.

When should I take acarbose or miglitol?

With the first bite of a meal.

What are possible side effects?

Taking this pill may cause stomach problems (gas, bloating, and diarrhea) that most often go away after you take the medicine for a while.