Meta Information

ID:acarbose

Name:Acarbose

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Precose
• Glucobay

Active Compound

acarbose

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:rx_drug
• eu:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Slowing carbohydrate absorption to blunt post-meal glucose and insulin spikes for metabolic health.

Typical Protocol

• Typically taken as 25-100 mg at the beginning of carbohydrate-containing meals.
• Healthspan protocols often start with 25 mg and titrate up as tolerated to manage side effects.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

15

High Cost:

40

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Generic prescription cost without insurance; may be covered for diabetes.

Summary

Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in the small intestine. This action blunts the post-meal spike in blood glucose and subsequent insulin release, a key mechanism implicated in several age-related diseases. By mimicking some effects of caloric restriction, it is studied for its potential to improve metabolic health and extend lifespan.

Purpose

An oral drug that blunts glucose spikes to improve metabolic health.

Card Summary

A prescription diabetes drug used off-label to slow carbohydrate digestion and blunt post-meal glucose spikes, potentially improving metabolic health and longevity.

Drug Class

alpha_glucosidase_inhibitor

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

7.2

Justification:

Significantly blunts postprandial glucose, a key driver of metabolic aging.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

7.8

Justification:

Robust human RCTs for diabetes/CVD risk; strong longevity data in male mice.

Safety

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Common but manageable GI side effects; low systemic absorption and good long-term safety profile.

Flags

• Frequent gastrointestinal side effects (flatulence, diarrhea) are common, especially at higher doses.
• Risk of hypoglycemia is low when used alone but increases when combined with other glucose-lowering drugs.
• Contraindicated in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, or intestinal obstruction.
• Rare cases of elevated liver enzymes have been reported; periodic monitoring may be advised.

Verdict

A promising tool for managing glucose spikes, with manageable side effects.

Created

2026-06-09T15:11:50.509999Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)