A systematic review, meta-analysis, dose-response, and meta-regression
of the effects of acarbose intake on glycemic markers in adults
Abstract
Background: Prior research has yielded mixed results regarding the
impact of acarbose intake on glycemic markers. To provide a more
comprehensive analysis, a systematic review and meta-analysis was
performed to compile data from various randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) examining the effects of acarbose intake on fasting blood sugar
(FBS), insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment
of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in adults. Methods: To identify relevant
literature up to April 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted on
various scholarly databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and
Scopus databases. The effect size of the studies was evaluated using a
random-effects model to calculate the weighted mean differences (WMD)
and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was
assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I2. Results: This systematic review
and meta-analysis included a total of 101 RCTs with a total of 107
effect sizes. The effect sizes for FBS in milligrams per deciliter
(mg/dl), insulin in picomoles per liter (pmol/l), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)
in percentage (%), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin
resistance (HOMA-IR) were 92, 46, 80, and 22, respectively. The pooled
analysis indicated that acarbose intake resulted in significant
decreases in FBS (p=0.018), insulin (p<0.001), HbA1c
(p<0.001), and HOMA-IR (p<0.001). Conclusion: The
findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that
acarbose intake can potentially lead to significant improvements in
glycemic indices by decreasing the levels of FBS, HbA1c, and insulin.
However, larger and more rigorously designed studies are still needed to
further evaluate and strengthen this association.