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Lovastatin does not affect oral glucose tolerance in hypercholesterolemic patients
J B McCrea1, R J Fruncillo, S D Holland
1Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|June 1, 1993
Summary
This study found that 80 mg of lovastatin daily effectively lowers cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients without negatively impacting oral glucose tolerance. No adverse effects were observed during the 6-week trial.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Type II diabetes and hypercholesterolemia often coexist, necessitating careful drug selection.
- Statins are primary agents for cholesterol reduction, but their impact on glucose metabolism requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of 80 mg daily lovastatin on oral glucose tolerance in non-diabetic hypercholesterolemic patients.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of short-term lovastatin treatment on lipid profiles and glucose metabolism.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.
- 15 non-diabetic patients with Type II hypercholesterolemia received 80 mg lovastatin or placebo daily for 6 weeks.
- Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed, with plasma glucose and serum insulin levels measured via AUC.
Main Results:
- Lovastatin significantly reduced total cholesterol (30%), LDL-cholesterol (36%), and triglycerides (26%).
- No statistically significant differences in glucose or insulin AUC were observed between the lovastatin and placebo groups.
- No clinically significant adverse effects related to lovastatin were reported.
Conclusions:
- Short-term administration of 80 mg lovastatin effectively lowers cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients.
- Lovastatin treatment did not adversely affect oral glucose tolerance in this patient population.
- Lovastatin appears to be a safe option for managing hypercholesterolemia without compromising glucose metabolism.
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