Glyset: Advanced Glycemic Control for Type 2 Diabetes
| Product dosage: 50mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $2.24 | $67.08 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.68 | $134.16 $100.62 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.49
Best per pill | $201.24 $134.16 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Glyset (miglitol) is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor designed to manage blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It functions by delaying the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, thereby reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. This oral antidiabetic agent is typically prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and may be used alone or in combination with other glucose-lowering medications such as sulfonylureas or metformin. Its targeted mechanism offers a complementary approach to glycemic management, particularly for patients struggling with post-meal glucose spikes. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in lowering HbA1c and mitigating glucose excursions.
Features
- Active ingredient: Miglitol 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg tablets
- Pharmacologic class: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
- Delays carbohydrate digestion in the small intestine
- Reduces postprandial glucose and insulin levels
- Does not cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy
- Minimal systemic absorption; acts locally within the GI tract
Benefits
- Effectively lowers postprandial blood glucose levels
- Reduces HbA1c by approximately 0.5–1.0% in clinical studies
- Minimizes risk of hypoglycemia compared to insulin secretagogues
- Does not promote weight gain
- May improve lipid profiles by reducing triglyceride levels
- Provides complementary mechanism to other antidiabetic agents
Common use
Glyset is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is particularly useful for patients who experience significant postprandial hyperglycemia despite dietary modifications. Clinicians may prescribe it as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylureas, metformin, or insulin when additional glycemic control is needed. The medication is taken at the start of each main meal to maximize its effect on carbohydrate digestion.
Dosage and direction
The recommended starting dosage is 25mg orally three times daily at the beginning of each main meal. The dosage may be gradually increased to 50mg three times daily after 4–8 weeks based on tolerability and glycemic response. For patients requiring further glycemic control, the dosage may be increased to 100mg three times daily. Dosage titration should be performed under medical supervision to minimize gastrointestinal adverse effects. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a small amount of liquid immediately before or at the beginning of the meal.
Precautions
Patients should be advised that Glyset may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, particularly during the initial treatment period. These symptoms usually diminish with continued use. Renal impairment requires dosage adjustment or avoidance, as miglitol is excreted renally. Periodic monitoring of hepatic function is recommended, although the drug is not metabolized hepatically. Patients should maintain their prescribed diabetic diet and exercise regimen while taking Glyset. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to assess therapeutic response.
Contraindications
Glyset is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to miglitol or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, or partial intestinal obstruction. The medication is contraindicated in patients with chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption. It should not be used in patients with conditions that may deteriorate as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine.
Possible side effects
The most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal: flatulence (41.5%), diarrhea (28.7%), and abdominal pain (11.7%). These typically occur during the first weeks of treatment and decrease in frequency and intensity with continued use. Skin reactions including rash occur in approximately 4.3% of patients. Transient elevations of serum transaminases have been reported in less than 1% of patients. Hypoglycemia may occur when Glyset is used in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin.
Drug interaction
Glyset may reduce the bioavailability of digoxin, propranolol, and ranitidine. Digestive enzymes such as amylase or pancreatin may reduce the efficacy of Glyset and should not be taken concomitantly. Charcoal-containing preparations may adsorb miglitol and reduce its effectiveness. When hypoglycemia occurs in patients taking Glyset with other antidiabetic agents, glucose (dextrose) should be used for treatment instead of sucrose, as Glyset will delay sucrose digestion.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, the patient should take it with the next meal. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Consistent dosing with meals is important for optimal glycemic control.
Overdose
An overdose of Glyset alone is not expected to cause hypoglycemia. However, when taken in combination with other antidiabetic agents, hypoglycemia may occur. Symptoms may include dizziness, sweating, confusion, and palpitations. Treatment should include administration of glucose (dextrose). Sucrose (cane sugar) absorption will be delayed by Glyset and is not appropriate for correcting hypoglycemia in these patients. Supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be provided as necessary.
Storage
Store Glyset tablets at room temperature between 15–30°C (59–86°F) in their original container. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations for pharmaceutical waste.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Glyset should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not adjust their dosage or discontinue treatment without consulting their physician. Individual responses to medication may vary, and proper medical supervision is essential for safe and effective diabetes management.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Glyset effectively reduces postprandial glucose elevations and HbA1c levels. In a 1-year multicenter trial, patients receiving miglitol 100mg three times daily showed a mean HbA1c reduction of 0.8% compared to placebo. Gastroenterological adverse effects were common initially but decreased significantly after the first month of treatment. Many endocrinologists note that patient education about expected gastrointestinal effects improves adherence and tolerance. The medication is particularly valued for its specific mechanism targeting postprandial hyperglycemia without causing weight gain or significant hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy.