Question

Acarbose is an alpha-glycosidase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of
polysaccharides into monosaccharides in the gut. It was first used as a treatment for
type II diabetes to help manage sugar levels. One off-label effect is it promotes a lean phenotype in individuals. How does sugar management help diabetics? Why would it
cause a lean (i.e. less fat) phenotype?

Answer 1

When Acarbose is used as a treatment for type II diabetes it acts by inhibiting the alpha-glycosidase enzymes. When these enzymes are inhibited digestion or hydrolysis or breakdown of polysaccharides do not occur as a result glucose and other monosaccharides are not absorbed into the nlood, with the result body mostly have lower levels of carbohydrates. To supply energy to the body in absence of the carbohydrates fats are oxidised which causes a lean phenotype.