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Effects of diltiazem hydrochloride in diabetics
Insights
Diltiazem hydrochloride did not negatively impact glucose tolerance or insulin secretion in mild diabetic patients. This study found no significant differences compared to a control group, suggesting its safety for glycemic control.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetic patients often have co-existing heart conditions.
- Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker used for cardiovascular conditions.
- The impact of diltiazem hydrochloride on glucose metabolism in diabetics requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of diltiazem hydrochloride on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
- To determine if diltiazem hydrochloride administration influences glycemic control in mild diabetics with ischemic heart disease.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 16 diabetic patients with ischemic heart disease receiving diltiazem hydrochloride (90 mg daily) for approximately 9 months.
- Oral glucose tolerance tests (o-GTT) were conducted before and after diltiazem hydrochloride treatment.
- A control group of 14 diabetic patients underwent o-GTT before and after a similar follow-up period without diltiazem hydrochloride.
Main Results:
- Both the diltiazem hydrochloride group and the control group showed improvements in glucose tolerance.
- No significant difference in the change of glucose tolerance was observed between the two groups.
- Insulin secretion, measured by immunoreactive insulin (IRI) response during o-GTT, remained unchanged in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Diltiazem hydrochloride, at standard clinical doses, does not adversely affect glucose tolerance in mild diabetic patients.
- The study suggests that diltiazem hydrochloride does not negatively impact insulin secretion in this patient population.
- Diltiazem hydrochloride appears safe for use in mild diabetics with co-existing heart conditions managed by diet alone.
Abstract:
The effects of diltiazem hydrochloride on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance were studied in diabetic subjects treated with dietary management alone for their glycemic control. Sixteen diabetic subjects with heart complaints and/or abnormal electrocardiographic findings which were compatible with diagnosis of ischemic heart disease were given diltiazem hydrochloride 90 mg daily for a mean of 9.3 +/- 1.0 (SE) months and oral 100 g glucose tolerance tests (o-GTT) were performed before and after the administration of diltiazem hydrochloride. As a control group, 14 diabetic patients with roughly the same level of fasting blood glucose and the same degree of glucose intolerance were selected, and in these patients oral 100 g glucose tolerance tests were also performed before and after a mean follow up period of 12.6 +/- 1.5 months. Although improvement in glucose tolerance was observed at the end of the trial in the group of patients with diltiazem hydrochloride, control group also showed improved glucose tolerance and there was no significant difference in the change of glucose tolerance between both groups. No significant change of IRI response in oral 100 g glucose tolerance test was observed in both groups. We could, therefore, conclude from these observations that diltiazem hydrochloride with usual clinical dosage dose not exert unfavourable effects on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in the mild diabetic patients.