The Benefits of Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
Theoretically, it’s easy to see how AGIs help manage blood glucose. But, what do studies say about them?
In a report published in the American Diabetes Association, experts reviewed 41 studies involving monotherapy with alpha glucosidase inhibitors. They checked the medicine’s effect in glycemic control, insulin levels, plasma lipids (fats), weight, side effects, morbidity and even mortality.
They discovered that while AGIs do not have an effect on the patient’s plasma lipids, morbidity and mortality, they do have beneficial effects on HbA1c levels, postprandial and fasting blood sugar, and postload insulin. Higher doses of AGIs don’t seem to increase the benefits, but they appear to increase the side effects. A type of AGIs called Acarbose also seem to help decrease the body mass index of some patients4.
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