Key takeaways
Acarbose (Precose) and Lantus (insulin glargine) are both used to manage diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor taken orally to help control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates. It is available only as a generic medication. Lantus, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin injected under the skin to manage blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is available as both a vial and a prefilled pen. Acarbose is less likely to cause hypoglycemia when used alone, while Lantus can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, especially when combined with other diabetes medications. Acarbose must be taken with each main meal, whereas Lantus is most often injected once daily. Acarbose may cause side effects like gas and diarrhea, while Lantus can lead to weight gain and injection site reactions.
