[Comparing the effects of Fluoxetine and Alprazolam on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes]

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder causing micro- and macrovascular complications which could be prevented by good glycemic control. Considering many patients who become resistant to routine anti-diabetic drugs after few years, the administration of other drugs to reduce the level of glucose is an essential approach for a better glycemic control. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of fluoxetine and alprazolam added to regular anti-diabetic drugs on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this paralleled clinical trial, 66 uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center were selected and received randomly either 20mg of fluoxetine or 0.5mg of alprazolam for 6 weeks. Mean FBS [fasting blood sugar], 2hpp [2 hours post-prandial glucose], HbA1c [Glycated Hemoglobin] and BMI [Body Mass Index] were measured before and after the study. Data were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test. The mean FBS, 2hpp, HbA1c and BMI were decreased after using fluoxetine by 27.5 +/- 7.5mg/dl, 47.5 +/- 10.5, 1.5 +/- 0.5% and 2.2 +/- 0.8kg/m2, respectively [P=0.001]. Also the mean FBS, 2hpp and HbA1c were decreased by 13.7 +/- 13.5mg/dl, 22.5 +/- 5.6mg/dl and 0.5 +/- 0.3% following the administration of alprazolam [P=0.001]. Similarly, the mean BMI was increased by 0.3 +/- 1.5 kg/m2 this difference was found to be statistically insignificant [P=0.35]. Both fluoxetine and alprazolam were useful for better control of blood glucose in diabetics who were free of diabetic complications nevertheless, it seems that fluoxetine is more effective than alprazolam