Protease inhibitor-associated hyperglycemia in Mexican patients with HIV infection

A Palma-Aguirre1, J Halabe-Cherem, H Nellen-Hummel

  • 1Unidad de Investigación Médica en Farmacología, México, D.F., Mexico. Apalma@chdr.nl

Abstract

Insights

Protease inhibitors for HIV are effective but may cause hyperglycemia and diabetes. Monitoring is crucial, especially in the Mexican population, to manage these risks.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Protease inhibitors have transformed HIV treatment.
  • The FDA has alerted physicians to potential hyperglycemia and diabetes risks associated with protease inhibitors.
  • These risks are based on limited physician reports.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of hyperglycemia in HIV patients receiving protease inhibitor therapy.
  • To assess the relationship between protease inhibitor use and the development of diabetes mellitus in a specific ethnic group.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 61 HIV-infected patients without pre-existing diabetes was studied.
  • Plasma glucose levels were monitored monthly for six months.
  • Basal glucose levels were recorded before initiating protease inhibitor therapy.

Main Results:

  • Four patients (6.55%) developed hyperglycemia while on saquinavir.
  • One patient with hyperglycemia had a family history of type II diabetes.
  • Hyperglycemia in affected patients was managed effectively with diet.

Conclusions:

  • The benefits of protease inhibitors in HIV treatment likely outweigh the risks.
  • Physicians should remain vigilant for hyperglycemia in Mexican patients on protease inhibitors.
  • Patients need to be aware of hyperglycemia and diabetes warning signs.

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