Treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes

Postgrad Med. 2001 Dec;110(6 Suppl):14-9. doi: 10.3810/pgm.12.2001.suppl17.93.

Abstract

Healthcare providers usually assess glycemic control in diabetic patients by measuring fasting plasma glucose and preprandial glucose levels, as well as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Evidence now suggests that elevated postprandial glucose concentrations may contribute to suboptimal glycemic control. Several medications and insulins are available that have proved valuable for obtaining better control of blood glucose levels after meals. These agents may be particularly useful for managing patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and those who have near normal preprandial blood glucose levels but elevated HbA1c values. This article discusses the efficacy of some of these agents as monotherapy and in combination with other drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / drug therapy*
  • Hyperglycemia / prevention & control
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Secretion

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin