Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

Acarbose is classified as a glucosidase inhibitor, which works by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. This action helps to reduce postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels by inhibiting the enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates into glucose. By acting on the intestinal enzymes, acarbose helps to manage blood sugar levels for those with diabetes, particularly after meals.

Other medications listed serve different purposes; for example, Metformin is a biguanide, primarily used to decrease hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity, while Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas. Insulin itself is a hormone crucial for glucose metabolism but is not classified as a glucosidase inhibitor. Recognizing the specific action of each medication helps in understanding their roles in diabetes management.