Intestinal absorption inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus: prevention and treatment.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease with a prevalence that is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Although treatment of diabetes to avoid complications is essential, prevention of this disease would provide even greater benefit for the individual and for society. Intestinal absorption inhibitors, such as α-glucosidase inhibitors and lipase inhibitors, play a relatively minor role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, recent studies have demonstrated that absorption inhibitors have a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes in high-risk populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]