Acarbose and Older Adults With Postprandial Hypotension

Inclusion Criteria: * be 65 years of age or older, * be a non-smoker for at least 5 years * be referred to the falls clinic at Vancouver General Hospital * have a Folstein test of cognition \> 25/30 to ensure meal log-book compliance Exclusion Criteria: * no oral or swallowing issues that would prevent a Meal Test * subject requiring dialysis due to end-stage renal failure will be excluded * subjects with evidence on history, physical or blood work of hepatic disease will be excluded since elevated serum transaminases are a potential adverse effect of acarbose * cannot currently be taking an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor * cannot have had allergic reactions to alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in the past * Due to the fact that acarbose is renally excreted, all subjects must have a Creatine Clearance of greater than 25 ml/min * Subjects with a past history of inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, ileus and peptic ulcer disease will be excluded * Subjects taking carbohydrate-splitting enzymes (such as amylase) will be excluded * Subjects with chronic respiratory issues requiring treatment will be excluded