Long-term efficacy and tolerability of acarbose treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of long-term acarbose therapy in type 2 diabetic patients.

Study Design: In this double-blind, single-centre group comparison, patients were randomised to receive either acarbose or matching placebo, in addition to their regular antidiabetic therapy, over a period of 78 weeks. Eligibility for inclusion in the efficacy evaluation included a study duration of >/=510 days.