Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors (AGIs):
These are a class of oral anti-diabetic medications that act by preventing the digestion of carbohydrates. These are also known as starch blockers. These reduce the blood sugar levels post meals. These medications function by blocking the enzymes that aid carbohydrate digestion and do not have any effect on insulin sensitivity or secretion. AGIs act as competitive inhibitors. Alpha glucosidase is an enzyme that is present in the small intestine. This helps in the digestion of carbohydrates into sugars. By inhibiting this enzyme, the carbohydrate digestion is reduced and less sugar is absorbed. AGIs are known to delay digestion and cause flatulence along with diarrhea. Other side effects include bloating, nausea, and liver dysfunction.
