Key takeaways
Alogliptin (Nesina) and acarbose (Precose) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different usage patterns. Alogliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that helps your body keep insulin around longer and reduce sugar production, and it's typically taken once a day. On the other hand, acarbose is an oral medication that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, and it's taken with each main meal, usually three times a day. Alogliptin is available as a brand or generic, while acarbose is only available as a generic since the brand name has been discontinued. Alogliptin can cause side effects like headaches and cold symptoms, whereas acarbose often leads to gas and diarrhea. Additionally, acarbose is less likely to cause low blood sugar when used alone compared to alogliptin, which can cause low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medications. Both medications are not first-choice treatments for Type 2 diabetes and are typically used alongside diet and exercise.
