Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are reversible inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme in the small intestine. They function by delaying the absorption of complex carbohydrates by the intestine, thereby inhibiting glucose peaks and subsequent insulin levels. Of the four alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose (Precose), migitol (Glyset), voglibose, and emiglitate) acarbose is the most prescribed of the drugs. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are often given to newly diagnosed diabetes patients and those who have blood sugar levels that are only slightly high enough to be considered diabetes. They are frequently prescribed in conjunction with other drugs for type 2 diabetes such as metformin. Because alpha-glycosidase inhibitors do not work with insulin function, they do not pose a risk of hypoglycemia. It should be noted however that when paired with other diabetes drugs there is a risk of hypoglycemia. If this occurs glucose gel should be consumed as orange juice and sugar will not work. Alpha-glycosidase inhibitors have …