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Effects of colesevelam on LDL-C, A1c and GLP-1 levels in patients with type 1 diabetes: a pilot randomized

S K Garg1, P J Ritchie, E G Moser

  • 1Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. satish.garg@ucdenver.edu

Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism
|January 5, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Colesevelam effectively reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with type 1 diabetes. While initial improvements in hemoglobin A1c (A1c) were observed, they were not sustained long-term.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Colesevelam is approved for managing hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes.
  • Its efficacy in type 1 diabetes remains under investigation.
  • This study explores colesevelam's impact on lipid and glycemic profiles in type 1 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the short-term effects of colesevelam on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and hemoglobin A1c (A1c) in adults with type 1 diabetes.
  • To assess changes in incretin hormone levels (GLP-1 and GIP) following colesevelam treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.
  • 40 adults with type 1 diabetes and hyperlipidemia received either 3.75 g/day colesevelam or placebo.
  • LDL-C, A1c, GLP-1, and GIP levels were measured at baseline and throughout the study.

Main Results:

  • Colesevelam significantly reduced LDL-C by week 4, with sustained effects at 12 weeks.
  • A significant improvement in A1c was noted at week 4 but not sustained for the study duration.
  • A transient increase in postprandial GLP-1 levels was observed in the colesevelam group.

Conclusions:

  • Colesevelam effectively lowers LDL-C in patients with type 1 diabetes.
  • Short-term glycemic improvements may be linked to GLP-1 elevation but require further investigation.
  • Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm colesevelam's role in managing type 1 diabetes.

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