Used primarily in the management of type 2 diabetes, this compound helps control blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates. It works by inhibiting enzymes in the small intestine that break down complex sugars and starches into glucose, thereby reducing the spike in blood glucose after meals. Due to this action, it is often prescribed alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults. It may also be used in combination with other antidiabetic medications. Because it acts locally in the digestive tract and is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, systemic side effects are limited. Common gastrointestinal side effects like bloating and flatulence are typical due to increased fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon.