A recent multicentre clinical trial (Study TO prevent Non Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) confirmed the utility of acarbose in preventing the transition from impaired glocose tolerance to diabetes (see section 2.4). Acarbose can be used in combination with other antidiabetic agents. When starting therapy with an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor it is said to be important to ensure that the patient is taking a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, as opposed to simple sugars.