The diabetes drug miglitol directly works on a diabetic’s diet. A diabetic eats foods that are designed to control glucose levels in the blood by limiting and controlling the types of foods that contribute to glucose in the blood levels. Miglitol aids the process.
Managing Diabetes
A Type II diabetic will initially attempt to control their blood sugar levels by planning an individualized diabetic diet. When the diabetic diet cannot regulate a Type II diabetic’s blood glucose levels, a doctor will prescribe a medication or a combination of medications. The medications will either
- Reduce sugar production
- Aid in sugar removal from the blood
- Increase the amount insulin released to the body
- Target the diet reducing sugar absorbtion
Diet Targeted Diabetes Medication
This group of medications slow down the amount of starch or carbohydrates absorbed into the blood stream. Miglitol, brand name Glyset, is one such drug. It acts in the stomach and small intestine where ingested carbohydrates are digested into their smaller components. Carbohydrates are digested in the stomach by alpha amylase which is released from the pancreas. In the small intestine Alpha-glycosidase continues to break down the simpler carbohydrates to even simple sugars. These sugars are then absorbed into the blood where they contribute to blood sugar levels. Miglitol acts by slowing down the action of these two enzymes, the action advertently controls the amount of sugar absorbed into the blood.
Uses
Miglitol is prescribed to patients with non-insulin dependent type II diabetes. This drug, along with a suitable diet, is effectively used to control a diabetic’s blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar in a diabetic is important in preventing health complications that arise from high blood sugar levels; complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and circulation problems.
Dosage
Miglitol is taken orally and is available in tablet form. The tablet is taken as prescribed by the doctor. Commonly it is taken three times a day at meal time. It is taken with the first bite of food with a glass of water. The prescribed dosage depends on the severity of the patient’s diabetes. In some cases it is prescribed along with another anti-diabetes medication.
Side Effects
This drug is known to cause diarrhea, gas and upset stomach during the first few weeks of treatment. These side effects may resolve themselves in time. However, the flatulence problem that miglitol causes is one of the reasons it is not commonly prescribed. The medication does not directly cause low blood sugar but if other medications are taken along with this drug, then hypoglycemia is a possibility.
References:
- Scott LJ, Spencer CM. “Miglitol: A review of its therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus” Drugs. 2000 Mar; 59(3):521-49.
- C Worker “Novel therapeutic strategies” IDrugs 1999 2:848-852