color pdf

BIMM118
Novel concepts:
Alpha-Glucosidases:
Diabetes mellitus
– Intestinal enzymes in the small intestine
– Break down complex carbohydrates (Starch, Glygogen)
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors:
– Inhibit carbohydrate breakdown => less monosaccherides available for absorption
– Saccharides that act as competitive enzyme inhibitors
– DO NOT increase insulin levels !!
– Maybe useful in Type I diabetes as well?
• Acarbose
– Also inhibits alpha-amylases
– No significant absorption => no systemic side effects
– Used to prevent postprandial hyperglycemia
– Side effects: Diarrhea, flatulence (intestinal bacteria digest the carbohydrates!)
• Miglitol
– Systemically absorbed
– No effect on alpha-amylases