Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors DESPITE THE HOOPLA, the SGLT2 was not actually the first oral hypoglycemic agent to show proven cardiovascular benefits. Another now largely forgotten drug was previously shown to have similar benefits. Acarbose is an oral diabetes medication first introduced in the United States in 1996. It blocks the enzymes alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, both of which are required for proper digestion of carbohydrates. Blocking these enzymes prevents complex carbohydrates, which are chains of glucose, from breaking into smaller glucose molecules, thus reducing absorption.
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