Starch Blockers

Oral treatments: II Starch blockers

Starch blockers, such as acarbose (Precose®), slow the digestion and absorption of starches and sugars, thereby decreasing the rapid rise in blood sugar that occurs after eating. It inhibits the alpha-glucosidase enzymes that reside in the intestine at the sites where most nutrient absorption occurs. These enzymes break down carbohydrates into small units that can be absorbed. In order to be effective, a starch blocker must be taken at the start of a meal that has a high (at least 50%) content of complex carbohydrates. The drug competes with the carbohydrates for binding to the enzyme. Starch blockers are avoided in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a predisposition to GI obstruction, or in cases where GI absorption or digestion is impaired. When they are used alone, there is not the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) associated with the oral hypoglycemic drugs. Gas and bloating are the most common side effects.