Diabetes Prevention (cont.)
Are there medications that can help to prevent type 2 diabetes?
The answer is yes.
As described above, metformin has been shown in the DPP trial to prevent the
development of diabetes in those with impaired glucose tolerance. While not
quite as effective as intensive lifestyle change, metformin decreased the rate
of progression from 29% in the placebo group to 22%.
Another class of drugs called the thiazolidinediones [pioglitazone (Actos)
and rosiglitazone (Avandia)] has been shown to be beneficial in prevention of
type 2 diabetes. Drugs in this class have also been studied extensively in
patients who have had gestational diabetes, and there is a significant reduction
in the annual rates of progression to diabetes (5.4% compared to 12.1% with
placebo).
Acarbose (Precose), a drug
designed to reduce small intestinal absorption of carbohydrates has been
used with some success as well. The STOP NIDDM trial showed that in about 1400
patient with
impaired glucose tolerance, acarbose significantly reduced progression to
diabetes compared to placebo.
Interestingly, drugs that were not initially thought to
have much to do with insulin and glucose regulation are also being shown to be
beneficial in prevention of type 2 diabetes. One of the most discussed class of
drugs are ACE Inhibitors. A large trial known as the HOPE trial was recently
published. The aim of this trial was to focus on the effects of one of these
drugs on the heart and blood vessels. However, when they reviewed the data, they
also found that those on medication therapy had fewer occurrences of diabetes than those
receiving placebo. This has also been noted in a similar class of drugs called
angiotensin converting blockers. The mechanism of this benefit is being
explored.
Next: Type 2 Diabetes Prevention At A Glance »
- metformin, Glucophage - Drug information about metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet), a drug used for treating type II diabetes in adults and children.
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