Fenfluramine in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetics: hypoglycemic versus anorectic effect.
A few studies have suggested that the anorectic drug fenfluramine has a hypoglycemic effect. The major problem in interpreting those studies, however, is the difficulty in dissociating the effect of weight loss on blood glucose from the direct effect of fenfluramine. In a double-blind study of 28 diabetic females treated with oral hypoglycemic agents, a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (from 195 +/- 17 mg/dl to 152 +/- 15 mg/dl after four weeks, and to 155 +/- 14 mg/dl after eight weeks) was observed in fenfluramine-treated patients (n = 14). Corresponding values in the placebo group were 185 +/- 12 mg/dl and 201 +/- 16 mg/dl respectively. Glucose tolerance after a standard meal was also improved after fenfluramine treatment. Weight loss was minimal and not significantly different for the two groups. From these observations, it can be concluded that fenfluramine has a lowering effect on blood glucose which is independent of its effect on weight.
D000368:Aged; D001067:Appetite Depressants; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D001067:Appetite Depressants; D001786:Blood Glucose; D005277:Fenfluramine; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents