Elevation of postprandial plasma glucose is correlated with an increase in cardiovascular events, and alphaglucosidase inhibitors (αGIs) are effective at reducing postprandial glucose levels. In Japan, the αGIs acarbose, voglibose, and miglitol have been available since 1993, 1994, and 2006 inhibitors are also effective at reducing postprandial glucose levels, and they have been available in Japan since 2009. A combination therapy of αGI, miglitol, and the DPP-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, is more effective at decreasing postprandial glucose levels than monotherapy with either miglitol or sitagliptin. Moreover, the combination therapy of miglitol and sitagliptin is more effective at increasing postprandial active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels than monotherapy. Peptide YY (PYY) has appetitesuppressing and gastric-emptying effects similar to GLP-1. In healthy individuals, miglitol increases the postprandial total PYY; however, combination therapy of miglitol and vildagliptin does not change postprandial total PYY levels. αGIs are typically prescribed to be taken just before a meal, which can result in decreased drug adherence. Different patterns of αGI intake were examined, and the results showed that miglitol or acarbose administration after a meal is effective. The effects of taking miglitol dissolved in water during a meal appeared to be similar to that of taking miglitol as a tablet just before a meal. The long-term effects of taking miglitol dissolved in water should be evaluated in future studies. αGIs may be effective even when they are not taken before a meal, and a more flexible administration may improve drug adherence.