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Acarbose ( AY-car-bose) is used to treat a type of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) called type 2 diabetes. Normally, your pancreas releases insulin into the blood stream after you eat. Insulin is used by all the cells in your body to help turn the food you eat into energy. This is done by using glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. When you have type 2 diabetes, insulin is still produced by your pancreas, but the amount of insulin produced may not be enough or your body may not be using it properly and you may still need more. Because of this, the insulin is not able to lower your blood sugar properly and you will have too much sugar in your blood. Acarbose lowers your blood sugar by preventing the breakdown of starch into sugar. It may be used alone or in combination with another type of oral diabetes medicine called a sulfonylurea. Acarbose is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S.)
Acarbose is used (with diet only or diet and other medications) to treat type 2 (noninsulin- dependent) diabetes (high blood sugar). Acarbose works by slowing the action of certain chemicals that break down food to release glucose (sugar) into your blood. Slowing food digestion helps keep blood glucose from rising very high after meals. Acarbose is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Acarbose comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day. It is very important to take each dose with the first bite of each main meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Acarbose exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Acarbose even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Acarbose without talking to your doctor. Brand names: - Acarbose - Precose |