Effects of prolonged (6 months) alpha-glucosidase inhibition on blood glucose control and insulin requirements in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

To examine prolonged alpha-glucosidase inhibition on blood glucose control, Acarbose, a potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, was administered for six months to insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Acarbose administration significantly diminished postprandial blood glucose increases by 20-30% and reduced insulin requirements by about 40% in these patients. Symptoms related to its use almost disappeared after the first month of treatment. These results suggest that prolonged alpha-glucosidase inhibition improves glucose tolerance in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Thus, an agent like acarbose might be a useful adjunct to insulin in the treatment of diabetic patients.