Contents:
- Medical Video: Pharmacology - DRUGS FOR DIABETES (MADE EASY)
- How do alpha-glucosidase inhibitors work?
- How do you use alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
- You must pay attention
Medical Video: Pharmacology - DRUGS FOR DIABETES (MADE EASY)
Alpha-glucosidase is one of the enzymes that breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugar particles called glucose, and then it is absorbed by the organ and used as energy. Alpha-glucosidase (AGI) inhibitors are sometimes known as starch inhibitors which are anti-diabetes drugs to reduce blood sugar levels after eating.
Unlike most other types of diabetes drugs, alpha-glucosidase does not have a direct effect on insulin secretion or sensitivity. Instead, this drug slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates found in starchy foods.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors belong to acarbose and miglitol.
How do alpha-glucosidase inhibitors work?
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors work competitively and are reversible in inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, intestinal enzymes. This will slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and delay glucose absorption which also slows down the increase in blood glucose levels after eating effectively throughout the day. Research shows that alpha-glucosidase inhibitors can reduce hemoglobin A1C by 0.5% to 0.8%, a test to determine and control blood glucose levels.
How do you use alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
This medicine is taken in the first mouthful of food. Usually taken 3 times a day. This drug does not make the pancreas produce more insulin and will not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), unless you take alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with other diabetes drugs or with insulin.
What are the side effects arising from the use of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
Immediately call 112 or other emergency services if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Itchy
- Eyes turn yellow
- The skin turns yellow
Common side effects of using this drug include:
- Fart
- Feel bloated
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
However, the side effects above will decrease slowly as your body adjusts to treatment.
You must pay attention
This drug does not cause low blood sugar or weight gain. However, if you do not eat or exercise, drink alcohol, or use other drugs that cause low blood sugar, you may experience low blood sugar. When using this drug, low blood sugar can be treated by eating foods that contain sugar that is quickly digested, except table sugar or soda, because the sugar will not work.
If you have a lot of fart when using this drug, you should reduce the dose of the drug and add it little by little. A low carbohydrate diet can also help. You cannot use this medicine, if you have a problem with the digestive system.
