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Acarbose and idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia.
1University of the West Indies, Nassau, Bahamas. samaxe@aol.com
Hormone Research
|October 8, 2003
Summary
Acarbose effectively manages idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia, a condition previously lacking effective treatments. This alpha-glucosidase inhibitor therapy resolved symptoms in all study participants.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia presents challenges due to ineffective and impractical therapeutic options.
- Acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, is known to reduce postprandial glucose absorption.
- Investigating acarbose efficacy for reactive hypoglycemia is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of acarbose in treating idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia.
- To determine if acarbose can alleviate symptoms associated with reactive hypoglycemia.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive selection of six patients presenting with symptoms indicative of postprandial hypoglycemia.
- Performance of 3-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (75g glucose) for diagnostic assessment.
- Treatment of patients with acarbose administered with each meal for a defined period.
Main Results:
- All participating patients exhibited symptomatic hypoglycemia during baseline glucose tolerance testing.
- Following four weeks of acarbose treatment, all patients reported resolution of hypoglycemic symptoms.
- Patients were able to maintain a regular diet without experiencing recurrent hypoglycemia.
Conclusions:
- Acarbose demonstrates significant efficacy in managing idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia.
- This study supports acarbose as a practical and effective therapeutic agent for this condition.