Bezafibrate Lowers Diabetes Risk in Cardiac Patients

Researchers have found that the drug bezafibrate, which is normally used to lower blood triglycerides and raise the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL), causes significant reduction of risk for development of type 2 diabetes in cardiac patients.

Bezafibrate significantly lowers plasma triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while HDL levels are increased. The primary mode of action is to increase the activity of lipoprotein lipase and several other enzymes. Bezafibrate also increases the effects of anticoagulants in patients with hyperlipoproteinaemia.

Since type 2 diabetes often develops in patients with problems of lipid metabolism, investigators at the Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer, Israel; www.tau.ac.il) evaluated the effect of bezafibrate on the prevalence of diabetes in a group of cardiac patients over a six-year period.
The study sample comprised 303 nondiabetic patients 42 to 74 years of age with a fasting blood glucose level of 110 to 125 mg/dl (6.1 to 6.9 mmol/l). The patients received either 400 mg bezafibrate (156 patients) or a placebo (147 patients) once a day. No patients were using statins, and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which also reduce diabetes incidence, was relatively low.
Results published in the July 13, 2004, issue of Circulation showed that new-onset diabetes developed in 54% of the control group but in only 42% of the bezafibrate group. The average time until symptoms of diabetes were detected was 3.8 years for the controls and 4.6 years for the treated group.

First author Dr. Alexander Tannenbaum, a physician and researcher at the Sheba Medical Center said, "In light of the study results, it seems logical and very simple. When we began the study, we expected to see benefits from the treatment, but when the results came in, we were surprised by the magnitude of benefits--they were very strong--and it is very promising.”



Related Links:
Sheba Medical Center