Critical evaluation of the role of acarbose in the treatment of diabetes: patient considerations

itical evaluation of the role of acarbose in the treatment of diabetes: patient considerations Review (1877) Total Article Views Authors: Rosak C, Mertes G Published Date October 2012 Volume 2012:5 Pages 357 - 367 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S28340 Received: 29 May 2012 Accepted: 29 June 2012 Published: 12 October 2012 Christoph Rosak,1 Gabriele Mertes2 1Specialist for Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sachsenhausen Hospital, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; 2Retired, Mülheim, Germany Abstract: The alpha-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose has been used for more than 20 years in the management of hyperglycemia. Owing to its unique mode of action in the gastrointestinal tract, its properties are very different from other antidiabetic medications. Patients on long-term treatment to control a chronic disease are not only interested in good treatment efficacy, but are also even more interested in the safety and side effects of their medications. Significant aspects of acarbose predominantly regarding safety and tolerability in the management of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are reviewed. It is concluded that acarbose is a convenient long-term treatment option, with benefits for both type 2 diabetics and patients in a prediabetic state.