A 58-year-old man with type 2 diabetes on metformin and acarbose develops symptomatic hypoglycemia after skipping lunch. Which treatment should be given to correct his hypoglycemia?

• A Table sugar dissolved in water
• B A banana
• C A glass of milk
• D Oral glucose tablets ✓

Explanation

Acarbose blocks intestinal alpha-glucosidases, preventing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and disaccharides such as sucrose into absorbable monosaccharides. While acarbose alone never causes hypoglycemia, if it occurs with a combined regimen, sucrose, fruit or milk will not be digested and absorbed fast enough. Pure glucose must be given, a point repeatedly tested in Indian exams.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.