Acarbose
Acarbose slows carbohydrate digestion and can reduce post-meal glucose rises in Type 2 Diabetes. It is one part of a wider diabetes plan.
Key points
- Gas, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea are common because more carbohydrate reaches the bowel.
- Acarbose alone rarely causes low glucose, but the risk rises with insulin or some other diabetes medicines.
- Low glucose during combination treatment must be treated with glucose rather than ordinary table sugar.
Listings are for comparison and general information; suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks and prescription requirements.
Important safety checks
Digestive disease, bowel obstruction risk, liver or kidney problems and current diabetes medicines require review. Liver tests may be needed. Glucose monitoring and the response to treatment guide ongoing use.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, marked swelling, jaundice, confusion, fainting or a low-glucose episode that does not improve promptly.