Post-prandial glycaemic reduction by an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor in type 2 diabetic patients with therapeutically attained basal normoglycaemia.

Journal article

Post-prandial glucose excursions remain elevated in most patients with diabetes even when normal fasting plasma glucose levels have been achieved. In 39 patients with type 2 diabetes who had attained basal normoglycaemia by therapy with diet alone, a sulphonylurea, a basal insulin supplement or basal plus prandial insulin the mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1) values were at the upper end (mean +/- 1SD, 8.1 +/- 1.1%) of the normal range (5.0-8.2%). Miglitol, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, given in a dose of 50 mg three times a day was studied in a double blind randomized crossover study. In diet and sulphonylurea treated patients, a mean 25% reduction of the post-prandial plasma glucose excursions was obtained whereas in ultralente treated patients miglitol appeared to reduce basal plasma glucose levels (p < 0.006). Side effects were limited to minor gastrointestinal disturbances, usually ameliorating after the first week of therapy. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition to prevent post-prandial glycaemia may have a role in patients in whom sulphonylurea or diet therapy has been used to obtain normal basal glucose concentrations.

Authors: Holman, R; Steemson, J; Turner, R

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Diabetes research (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 149-153
• Publication date: 1991-12-01
• ISSN: 0265-5985
• Language: English
• Keywords: Male; Humans; Insulin, Long-Acting; Glucosamine; Triglycerides; Reference Values; Time Factors; Lipoproteins, HDL; alpha-Glucosidases; Hypoglycemic Agents; Biological Markers; Diabetic Diet; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Fructosamine; Eating; 1-Deoxynojirimycin; Female; Insulin; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Lipoproteins, LDL; Imino Pyranoses; Middle Aged; Blood Glucose; Hexosamines