South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Acarbose and miglitol are both medications used to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes, specifically by inhibiting enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the intestine. This action helps to delay the absorption of glucose following meals, leading to a slower and lowered rise in blood glucose levels after eating.

The correct answer points out that these medications do not cause increased absorption of carbohydrates. Instead, they function by preventing the complete digestion of carbohydrates, which ultimately leads to a decrease in glucose being absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, users experience lower postprandial (after meal) glucose levels, as reflected in the other options provided regarding their effects.

In essence, acarbose and miglitol’s primary function is to manage blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose absorbed, rather than increasing it, which reinforces that they do not promote increased carbohydrate absorption.