Cholesterol and glycemic effects of Niaspan in patients with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of Niaspan--a niacin preparation with both immediate- and extended-release characteristics--on lipid and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Retrospective study


METHODS
Private-practice endocrinology group.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients (mean age 60 yrs; 72% men) with type 2 diabetes identified by a computerized text search.


METHODS
Patients received Niaspan 1000, 1500, or 2000 mg/day (median daily dosage 1000 mg).


RESULTS
Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, and transaminase levels were compared for each patient before and 6 months after initiation of Niaspan. Niaspan therapy was associated with a significant 34% increase in HDL (p=0.033), a significant 36% reduction of triglycerides (p=0.049), and no significant change in LDL (p=0.236) or total cholesterol (p=0.122). Mean hemoglobin A1c levels significantly decreased from baseline by 0.5 +/- 0.3% (p=0.032), even though dosages and treatment with antidiabetic agents remained constant. There were no significant changes in transaminase levels. Seven patients (21.9%) discontinued Niaspan; one of them experienced an increase in blood glucose while receiving the agent.


CONCLUSIONS
For most patients with type 2 diabetes, Niaspan is a safe and effective therapy for dyslipidemia and does not exacerbate glycemic control.
Kane
M P
MP
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy, New York 12208, USA. kanem@acp.edu
Hamilton
R A
RA
Addesse
E
E
Busch
R S
RS
Bakst
G
G
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009525:Niacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001786:Blood Glucose; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D009525:Niacin; D002784:Cholesterol