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Acarbose is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
Acarbose works by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. It does this by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase, which is responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. By slowing down carbohydrate digestion, acarbose helps to control blood sugar levels after meals, preventing spikes in glucose levels.
This medication is typically taken with the first bite of each main meal and is used in combination with diet and exercise to manage diabetes. It is not effective in treating type 1 diabetes.