All of the following are true about acarbose, EXCEPT:
Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor which reduce intestinal absorption of starch, dextrin, and disaccharides by inhibiting the action of alpha-glucosidase in the intestinal brush border. Inhibition of this enzyme slows the absorption of carbohydrates from the GI tract and blunts the rate of rise of postprandial plasma glucose. It has been demonstrated to reduce the progression from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes. When acarbose is given alone, there is no risk of hypoglycemia. Ref: Powers A.C., D'Alessio D. (2011). Chapter 43. Endocrine Pancreas and Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycemia. In L.L. Brunton, B.A. Chabner, B.C. Knollmann (Eds), Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e.
Controls both pre and post-prandial hyperglycemia
When it is given alone, there is no risk of hypoglycemia
It is an alpha glucosidase inhibitor
It delays progression of diabetes