Question: 5. what is the mechanism of action of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
Answer: It works by competitively inhibiting the enzyme α-glucosidase at the brush border of the small intestines, thus delaying the digestion of complex carbohydrate and intestinal absorption of glucose. It targets mainly the postprandial hyperglycemia, and in clinical studies it lowers the HbA1c by 0.5–1.0%.