Acarbose in the treatment of type I diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
This 36-week multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of acarbose, administered in conjunction with diet and insulin therapy, for the treatment of patients with type I diabetes.


METHODS
Acarbose was administered using a forced titration protocol in dosages ranging from 50 to 300 mg t.i.d.


RESULTS
Treatment with acarbose was associated with a mean reduction in postprandial glucose levels (60 min after the administration of a test meal) of 59 mg/dl and a mean reduction in HbA1c levels of 0.48%. There was no difference in the incidence of hypoglycemia between treatment groups. Gastrointestinal events, including flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, were reported more frequently in acarbose-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Acarbose was found to be a safe and effective agent, when used in combination with diet and insulin therapy, for the treatment of type I diabetes.
Hollander
P
P
International Diabetes Center, Park Nicollet Clinic, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, USA.
Pi-Sunyer
X
X
Coniff
R F
RF
D020909:Acarbose; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014312:Trisaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D020909:Acarbose; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D014312:Trisaccharides