Effect of diacerein on insulin secretion and metabolic control in drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of diacerein on insulin secretion and metabolic control in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 40 drug-naïve adult patients with type 2 diabetes. A metabolic profile including interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and fasting insulin levels was carried out before the intervention and 2 months afterward. A hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was performed to assess the phases of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. After randomization, 20 patients received diacerein (50 mg once daily) for the first 15 days and twice daily for 45 additional days. The remaining patients received placebo. Intra- and intergroup differences were calculated by Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There were significant increases in first (102±63 vs. 130±75 pmol/L; P<0.01), late (219±111 vs. 280±135 pmol/L; P<0.01), and total insulin (178±91 vs. 216±99 pmol/L; P<0.01) secretions without changes in insulin sensitivity after diacerein administration. There were significant decreases in fasting glucose (7.9±1.4 vs. 6.8±1.0 mmol/L; P<0.01) and in A1C levels (8.3±1.0 vs. 7.0±0.8%; P<0.001) after diacerein administration. There were no significant changes after placebo administration in the above-mentioned evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin secretion increased and metabolic control improved after diacerein administration in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effect of 2 liquid nutritional supplements for diabetes patients on postprandial glucose, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.

AIM: To compare the effect of 2 liquid nutritional supplements (Enterex Diabetic and Glucerna SR) designed for the patient with diabetes mellitus on postprandial glucose, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was carried out in 14 healthy, young (average age 21.7+/-2.8 years) volunteers. Each individual received a single administration of 232 kcal in 232 mL of Enterex Diabetic or in 237 mL of Glucerna SR. Three days later, the intervention was crossed using the opposite supplement. At the beginning of each administration and later at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. Triglyceride concentrations were measured at the beginning and at 120 minutes. Area under the curve of glucose and insulin was calculated. First-phase and total insulin secretion, as well as insulin sensitivity, were assessed. RESULTS: Glucose concentration at 120 minutes was significantly lower after the administration of Enterex Diabetic in comparison with Glucerna SR (4.3+/-0.6 vs 4.7+/-0.4 mmol/L; P=.012). Enterex Diabetic compared with Glucerna SR showed a greater change of the glucose concentration from 0 to 120 minutes (-0.7+/-0.6 vs -0.0+/-0.4 mmol/L; P=.002). Administration of Enterex Diabetic decreased insulin concentrations at 120 minutes (60+/-18 vs 48+/-19 pmol/L; P=.013). Administration of Glucerna SR increased triglyceride concentration at 120 minutes (1.0+/-0.3 vs 1.1+/-0.4 mmol/L; P=.026). CONCLUSION: A single administration of Enterex Diabetic in healthy individuals decreased glucose and insulin concentrations at 120 minutes without any modification in triglyceride levels.