Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) are widely used first-line treatments for type 2 diabetes in my country. Their classic mechanism of action is to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia by delaying carbohydrate absorption. Currently marketed AGIs in my country include acarbose, voglibose, and miglitol. Among these, acarbose is the most widely used clinically.
Glucosidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of α-1,4 linkages with a substrate preference for maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose. Reactivity with large polysaccharides like dextrin and starch have also been described.
