Acarbose Relieves Constipation in Patients with Diabetes

60% of patients with diabetic neuropathy have constipation It is estimated that up to 60% of patients with diabetic neuropathy have constipation. A group of researchers led by Dr Ron from the Wolfson Hospital in Holon, Israel, studied the effect of acarbose on constipation in 28 elderly long-term care patients with type 2 diabetes and constipation.

Transit time was measured for the 4 colon segments and for the total colonic transit time before and after 1 and 4 weeks of treatment with acarbose.

The researchers showed that the total colonic transit time decreased from 202±136 hours at baseline to 149±107 hours after 1 week and to 161±97 hours after 4 weeks of acarbose treatment (p<0.002). The transit time decreased for each of the 4 colon segments and was significantly reduced in the ascending (p<0.02) and transverse (p<0.03) segments. Increased fiber consumption was associated with reduced colonic transit time and fat tended to increase the transit time.

The authors suggest that acarbose, in addition to its ability to control diabetes, may also be useful to relieve constipation in elderly patients with possible diabetic neuropathy. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 2002;57:M111-14