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Miglitol (MIG-le-tall) is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by a type of diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes called type 2 diabetes. Normally, after you eat, your pancreas releases insulin to help your body store excess sugar for later use. This process occurs during normal digestion of food. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not work properly to store the excess sugar and the sugar remains in your bloodstream. Having high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems in the future. Proper diet is the first step in managing type 2 diabetes but often medicines are needed to help your body. Miglitol is a medicine that slows the digestion of sugars so your body has time to store extra sugar. Sometimes another medicine called sulfonylurea can be used in combination with Miglitol to help your body store more sugar. Miglitol is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S.)
Miglitol is used, alone or with other drugs, to treat type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset'), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone. It slows the breakdown and absorption of table sugar and other complex sugars in the small intestine. This process results in decreased blood sugar (hypoglycemia) levels following meals. Miglitol is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Miglitol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day with the first bite of a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Miglitol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Brand names: - Glyset - Miglitol |