“Acarbose and metformin can be taken for a long period of time if there is no adverse reaction and the blood sugar control is good. The two drugs have their own advantages, can not simply say which one is better, patients need to choose according to their own situation. If postprandial blood sugar is high, then you can take acarbose for a long time. Although both acarbose and metformin can be used for type 2 diabetes, acarbose is effective for high postprandial blood sugar; while metformin is effective for both fasting and postprandial blood sugar. The main adverse effects of both drugs are mostly gastrointestinal discomfort, such as flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite. If the condition requires, can be used in combination with acarbose and metformin to control blood sugar, if the drug did not appear obvious adverse reactions, and for blood sugar control effect is good, generally can be long-term take these two drugs. Both acarbose and metformin should be used under the guidance of a doctor.