G. Riccardi et al., Efficacy and safety of acarbose in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre study, DIABET MED, 16(3), 1999, pp. 228-232
Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acarbo
se in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods A multicentre double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study wa
s performed. After a 6-week run-in, 121 patients were randomized to acarbos
e or placebo and to high- or low-fibre diet for 24 weeks. Acarbose dose was
50 mg t.d.s. for the first 2 weeks and 100 mg r.d.s. for the subsequent we
eks.
Results At the end of 24 weeks of treatment the intention to treat analysis
showed that acarbose compared with placebo decreased 2 h postprandial plas
ma glucose levels (12.23 +/- 0.83 vs. 14.93 +/- 0.87 mmol/l; F = 6.1, P < 0
.02) (least square means +/- SEM). No significant effect of acarbose was re
corded on HbA(1c) or on the number of hypoglycaemic episodes. The effect of
acarbose on blood glucose control was not influenced by the amount of carb
ohydrate and/or fibre intake. The incidence of adverse events were 75% and
39% in acarbose and placebo groups, respectively; they were mild and confin
ed to the gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusions The use of acarbose in combination with insulin reduces postpra
ndial plasma glucose levels in Type 1 diabetic patients who are not satisfa
ctorily controlled with insulin alone but without significant effect on HbA
(1c).