Effect of Alpha-glucosidase Inhibition on Glucose Profiles in Insulin Dependent Diabetes

A single-blind comparison of the effectiveness of miglitol (BAY-m-1099) and placebo in controlling postprandial hyperglycaemia was performed in 13 insulin dependent diabetics. Each subject received placebo and miglitol for four weeks, with an intervening two week placebo (washout) period, and underwent a 9.5 hr glycaemic profile after each four week treatment period. The area under the glucose curve was significantly (p less than 0.01) reduced by miglitol although no reduction in fasting blood glucose, HbA1, plasma lipids, insulin dosage or weight was observed. Side effects were not appreciably more common when patients received miglitol than when receiving placebo.