Comparison of pre- vs. postmeal administration of miglitol for 3 months in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

Aim: α-Glucosidase inhibitors (αGIs) primarily modify postprandial plasma glucose levels and should be taken just before meals. We previously demonstrated that a single administration of miglitol within 30 min after the start of a meal was equally effective as when administered just before a meal. We here compared pre- vs. postmeal administration of miglitol for 3 months in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Thirty-one type 2 diabetic outpatients who had never been treated with insulin injections or αGIs were randomized to two groups: patients in group A were asked to take miglitol just before meals, while patients in group B were asked to take miglitol after meals. We measured 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) and HbA1C levels in these patients. Results: The administration of miglitol after meals for a 3-month period decreased HbA1C and increased 1,5-AG levels to the same extent as when administered just before meals. The incidence of adverse effects seemed to be unrelated to the timing of the miglitol administration. Conclusions: Our results suggest that if patients have difficulty remembering to take miglitol just before meal, they should be instructed to take the medicine together with other medicine(s) after the meal; this instruction may improve the treatment compliance of diabetic patients. © 2008 The Authors Journal Compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.