[Effect of antihypertensive drugs on insulin secretion and efficacy]

The action of some of the most frequently used antihypertensive drugs (reserpine, clonidine, furosemide, propranolol, verapamil) on carbohydrate metabolism in diabetics was studied in an acute experiment with the help of artificial endocrine pancreas (Biostator). The aim of the study is to facilitate the selection of the most suitable drug to be used in the combination of diabetes and hypertension. 42 patients with diabetes mellitus type II were studied divided into 5 groups of 7 patients each according to the number of drugs examined and a control group also of 7 patients. The drugs propranolol and furosemide exert an unfavourable action both on the beta-cell function and the peripheral insulin efficiency. Verapamil and clonidine influence mainly the insulin secretion by a minimum effect on insulin efficiency. Only the drug reserpine practically does not influence the insulin secretion and efficiency.