Miglitol is an oral

alpha-glucosidase inhibitor Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) are oral anti-diabetic drugs used for diabetes mellitus type 2 that work by preventing the digestion of carbohydrates (such as starch and sucrose, table sugar). Naturally occurring AGIs are found in raw plants/he ...

used in the treatment of

type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes (T2D), formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is a form of diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent ...

. It works by reversibly inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine, which delays the digestion of complex carbohydrates and subsequently reduces

postprandial Prandial relates to a meal. Postprandial (from post prandium) means after eating a meal, while preprandial is before a meal. Usages of postprandial The term ''postprandial'' is used in multiple contexts. Gastronomic or social Refers to activiti ...

glucose levels. Approved for clinical use since 1998, miglitol has demonstrated efficacy in improving glycemic control, reducing HbA1c levels, and decreasing both fasting and postprandial plasma glucose concentrations in long-term clinical trials. Additionally, recent studies have suggested that miglitol may have potential as an anti-obesity agent, showing promise in reducing body weight and body mass index in obese or diabetic patients. While generally well-tolerated, the most common side effects associated with miglitol are gastrointestinal disturbances, which are typically mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time. It must be taken at the start of main meals to have maximal effect In contrast to

acarbose Acarbose ( INN) is an anti-diabetic drug used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2 and, in some countries, prediabetes. It is a generic sold in Europe and China as Glucobay ( Bayer AG), in North America as Precose ( Bayer Pharmaceuticals), and in ...

(another alpha-glucosidase inhibitor), miglitol is systemically absorbed; however, it is not metabolized and is excreted by the kidneys.

Formulation

The benefits of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors on health were shown to be stronger when the powder is consumed orally dissolved in water as a beverage in comparison to its intake as ordinary hard gelatin capsules.

References

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Iminosugars Piperidines Polyols {{gastrointestinal-drug-stub

Formulation

See also

References