Which medication is considered an Alpha Glucoside Inhibitor?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a class of medications used primarily to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. They work by inhibiting the enzyme alpha-glucosidase in the intestines, which slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a decrease in postprandial (after eating) blood glucose levels.

The correct answer, Glyset, is one of the medications in this category. It specifically acts on the carbohydrates you consume, thus helping to mitigate spikes in blood glucose after meals.

In contrast, the other medications listed serve different purposes. Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that works by increasing insulin production and decreasing glucagon secretion, which helps to lower blood glucose levels. Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas. Metformin is a biguanide that primarily improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose production. Each of these medications targets blood sugar control through mechanisms distinct from those of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.