Suppression of Insulin Secretion in the Treatment of Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Updated: Dec 2, 2025

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Published on: December 1, 2023
Zhengxiang Huang1, Weihao Wang1,2,3, Lili Huang1
1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Objective:
This proof-of-concept study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of suppression of insulin secretion in the treatment of obesity.
Methods:
A search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (up to January 1, 2020) that used drugs that directly suppress insulin secretion (diazoxide or octreotide) in the treatment of obesity. The extracted data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.
Results:
A total of seven randomized controlled trials were included, with four using diazoxide and three using octreotide to suppress insulin secretion. Suppression of insulin secretion significantly reduced fasting insulin level (mean difference: -3.94 mIU/L; 95% CI: -7.40 to -0.47) but slightly increased fasting blood glucose level (mean difference: 0.48 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.72). Following the suppression of insulin secretion, significant reductions in body weight (mean difference: -3.19 kg; 95% CI: -5.71 to -0.66), BMI (mean difference: -1.65 kg/m2 ; 95% CI: -2.41 to -0.90), and fat mass (mean difference: -5.92 kg; 95% CI: -8.28 to -3.56) were observed compared with placebo in the pooled data. No significant difference in fat-free mass was observed (mean difference: 0.56 kg; 95% CI: -0.40 to 1.52).
Conclusions:
Results suggest that suppression of insulin secretion may lead to reduced body weight and fat mass with slightly increased blood glucose in individuals with obesity.
Insights
Suppressing insulin secretion may help reduce body weight and fat mass in obese individuals. This approach led to significant weight loss but a slight increase in blood glucose levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Pharmacology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder with significant health implications.
- Current obesity treatments have varying efficacy and safety profiles.
- Targeting insulin secretion presents a potential therapeutic avenue for weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of suppressing insulin secretion for obesity treatment.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on drugs that directly suppress insulin secretion.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to January 1, 2020.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials using diazoxide or octreotide to suppress insulin secretion.
- Meta-analysis of extracted data using random-effects models.
Main Results:
- Seven trials were included (4 diazoxide, 3 octreotide).
- Insulin suppression significantly reduced fasting insulin but slightly increased fasting blood glucose.
- Significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and fat mass were observed compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Suppression of insulin secretion shows potential for reducing body weight and fat mass in obesity.
- This intervention may lead to a slight increase in blood glucose levels.
- Further research is warranted to confirm safety and long-term efficacy.
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