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Preventing long term complications. Implications for combination therapy with acarbose.
1Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Drugs
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Acarbose effectively lowers blood sugar spikes and HbA1c in diabetic patients. This may reduce long-term complications like atherosclerosis by lowering lipid levels, though it doesn't impact hyperinsulinemia.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Long-term complications are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes mellitus.
- Effective glucose control is crucial for mitigating these complications.
- Current treatments may not fully address postprandial glucose excursions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of acarbose in reducing diabetic complications.
- To assess acarbose's effects on glucose control, lipid levels, and hyperinsulinemia.
Main Methods:
- The study reviewed existing evidence on acarbose's efficacy.
- Evaluated acarbose's impact on postprandial hyperglycemia and HbA1c.
- Assessed effects on lipid profiles and insulin levels.
Main Results:
- Acarbose significantly reduces postprandial hyperglycemia and HbA1c levels.
- Acarbose demonstrates a reduction in lipid levels.
- Acarbose does not appear to reduce hyperinsulinemia.
Conclusions:
- Acarbose improves glycemic control, potentially reducing diabetic complications.
- By lowering lipid levels, acarbose may decrease the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Acarbose offers a valuable therapeutic option for both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.