Added benfluorex in obese insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are significant global health concerns.
• Insulin therapy is common for T2DM, but optimizing glycemic control and managing weight remain challenges.
• Benfluorex is a potential therapeutic agent for managing metabolic complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of benfluorex in improving glycemic control in obese patients with T2DM on insulin therapy.
• To assess the impact of benfluorex on insulin dosage, body weight, and lipid profiles.

Main Methods:

• A 3-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 76 obese insulin-requiring T2DM patients.
• Patients received either benfluorex (3 tablets daily) or a placebo, alongside a low-calorie diet.
• Key metrics included HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, daily insulin dose, body weight, BMI, and lipid levels.

Main Results:

• Benfluorex significantly reduced daily insulin dose (p=0.032) and HbA1c levels (p=0.026) compared to placebo.
• Patients receiving benfluorex experienced greater reductions in body weight (p=0.013) and BMI (p=0.019).
• Benfluorex also led to a decrease in total cholesterol (p=0.006) and a trend towards reduced triglycerides.

Conclusions:

• Addition of benfluorex to insulin therapy enhances glycemic control in obese T2DM patients.
• Benfluorex effectively lowers insulin requirements and promotes weight loss.
• This combination therapy presents a valuable alternative for poorly controlled obese T2DM patients on insulin.