SUGARDOWN® (BTI320) Mechanism of Action
Sugardown® is marketed as a dietary supplement and is designed to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Sugardown® works by inhibiting the enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the digestive system, thereby reducing the amount of glucose that is absorbed into the bloodstream after a meal. This can help to prevent the rise in blood sugar above normal levels in the blood levels and may also improve insulin sensitivity over time.
The elevation in blood sugar after meals is potentially harmful and will lead to damage to key organs such as the eye, kidney and blood vessels over time. Persistent elevation of blood sugar after meals (postprandial hyperglycaemia) also indicates poor diabetic control
Sugardown® is a helpful tool in managing diabetes, especially if it is also combined with continuous blood sugar monitoring devices; then a diabetic patient could achieve normal blood sugar levels with diet and the therapeutic effects of Sugardown on post-prandial glucose levels. Sugardown does not cause or result in hypoglycaemia (see below)
It should not be used as a replacement for other diabetes medications or lifestyle interventions.
How does it work?
Sugardown® works by inhibiting two enzymes called alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, which are involved in the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
Alpha-amylase is an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates, such as starch, into simpler sugars like glucose, while alpha-glucosidase is an enzyme that breaks down these simpler sugars into glucose that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
When Sugardown® is consumed up to 30 minutes before a meal, it inhibits the activity of these two enzymes, thereby slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates from the meal. This leads to a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels within normal limits if possible
It is important to state that Sugardown® does not cause hypoglycaemia. This is because Sugardown® only inhibits up to 70 % glucose absorption & does not completely block glucose absorption from the gut after a meal
By reducing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream, Sugardown® may also help to improve insulin sensitivity over time, which can further help to regulate blood sugar levels. It is important to note, however, that Sugardown® should not be used as a replacement for other diabetes medications or lifestyle interventions, and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider
How can you explain the effects of Sugardown® on HbA1c?
Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the previous 3 months. It is a commonly used marker to assess long-term glycaemic control in people with diabetes. High levels of HbA1c are associated with an increased risk of diabetes complications, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and eye damage.
Sugardown® helps to regulate blood sugar levels by inhibiting the enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the digestive system. By slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, Sugardown® may help prevent abnormal elevations in blood sugar levels after meals, resulting in improved control of diabetes and hence lower HbA1c levels over time.
In clinical studies, Sugardown® has been shown to significantly reduce postprandial (after meal) hyperglycaemia (abnormally high blood glucose levels) and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Links to published data go here:
However, it is important to note that Sugardown® should not be used as a replacement for other diabetes medications or lifestyle interventions. It may be purchased as an over-the-counter medication and is best with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
The combination of Sugardown® and continuous glucose monitoring, perhaps downloaded to a suitable device such as a table or phone, may provide a powerful tool for achieving long-term glucose control and preventing diabetic complications. Sugardown® may be used in both insulin-requiring and non-insulin-requiring types of diabetes.
A comprehensive approach to diabetes management that includes medication, diet, exercise, and regular blood sugar monitoring is essential for achieving optimal glycaemic control and reducing the risk of diabetes complications.