Acarbose
What is Acarbose?
Acarbose is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels (1). Acarbose is a prescription medication and is not available over-the-counter (1).
Acarbose: This medication is used to treat type 2 diabetes by inhibiting the enzymes that break down carbohydrates. It can improve brain glucose metabolism by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable blood sugar levels.
Dosage
The standard dose of acarbose is 25 mg taken three times a day with the first bite of each main meal (1). The maximum dose per day is 100 mg three times a day (1).
Side Effects
Common side effects of acarbose include flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (1). These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks of treatment. Rarely, acarbose can cause serious side effects such as liver problems and low blood sugar (1).
Interactions
Acarbose can interact with other medications, including digestive enzyme supplements, which can reduce its effectiveness (1). It can also interact with other diabetes medications, such as insulin and sulfonylureas, which can increase the risk of low blood sugar (1). Prior consultation with a medical expert is recommended before combining acarbose with other drugs or supplements.
Time of Day and With or Without Food
Acarbose should be taken with the first bite of each main meal (1). It is recommended to take it with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects (1).
Human Studies
Acarbose has been studied extensively in humans and has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (1). It is generally well-tolerated, and its side effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks of treatment (1).
In conclusion, Acarbose is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. The standard dose is 25 mg taken three times a day with the first bite of each main meal, and it should be taken with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Acarbose has been extensively studied in humans and has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Citations:
(1) https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-curcumin