ABSTRACT
A six weeks trial of Acarbose [Glucobay], a glucoside-hydrolase inhibitor was conducted in 50 uncontrolled diabetic patients attending the Diabetic Clinic at PMRC Research Centre. Ganga Ram Hospital. Lahore. Eighteen patients were newly diagnosed, 18 were taking oral hypoglycaemics and 14 were on insulin therapy. All these patients were given Acarbose either alone [newly diagnosed]] or in combination [those on oral hypoglycaemics or insulin]. The results showed a statistically significant reduction In the blood sugar levels after the intake of Acarbose. Only 3 patients complained of abdominal distension. No other serious side effect was observed and drug was well tolerated. It is concluded that Acarbose can be effectively used as a primary drug or in combination with other hypoglycaemic agents to improve the glycemic control in all types of diabetes mellitus