Acarbose is used to treat type 2 diabetes, together with exercise, good nutrition, weight loss and other lifestyle measures. It may be used alone or with other medicines for diabetes.
Acarbose works by slowing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates (sugars) in food you eat. This makes your blood glucose levels rise slowly when eating a meal.
To work properly acarbose must be taken with the first mouthfuls of food at the start of a meal.
Read more about type 2 diabetes and medicines for type 2 diabetes.