THE USE OF ACARBOSE IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA

This paper reviews the use of acarbose in the prevention and treatment of hypoglycaemia. In diet- or sulfonylurea-treated patients, acarbose may reduce the incidence of late postprandial hypoglycaemia. In insul in-treated patients, acarbose treatment usually requires reduction of the insulin dose; one study has shown that 100 mg acarbose at night si gnificantly reduces the incidence of mid-evening and nocturnal hypogly caemia. Several studies have suggested acarbose to be a useful adjunct to the management of reactive hypoglycaemia in the non-diabetic patie nts. Long-term prospective studies are still needed to document this l ast indication of acarbose or other alpha-glycosidase inhibitors.