title: Delaying carbohydrate absorption in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: useful therapy?
abstract: Epidemiological and psychological studies have revealed major difficulties in motivating diabetic patients to observe a long-term dietary regimen. Therefore, manipulation of intestinal digestion or absorption appears to be a feasible therapeutic approach in the management of diabetes. The addition of natural or chemically processed fiber has been shown to decrease both the postprandial and fasting blood glucose in type-2 diabetics by delaying carbohydrate absorption. Recently, selective enzyme inhibitors of glycoside hydrolases in the upper intestine have been found which create a moderate degree of malabsorption of carbohydrates. The postprandial blood sugar response can be reduced by 50%. However, both these forms of treatment may not be accepted by patients because of impalatability or gastrointestinal side effects. At present only short-term studies with each group of substances are available. Whether the reduction of hyperglycemia is sufficient for the prevention of complications must be clarified in long-term trials.
mesh_terms: D020909:Acarbose; D001645:Biguanides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000178:diet therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D009765:Obesity; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014312:Trisaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D001645:Biguanides; D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D014312:Trisaccharides; D013004:Somatostatin; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases; D020909:Acarbose